Roger Lee Gunkel, 76, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Roger was born on December 30, 1946, the oldest child of Harold and Virginia Gunkel. He grew up in Indianapolis and graduated from Ben Davis High School, where he was involved in the Speech/Debate Club, the Latin Club, and played Quarterback on the football team.

Roger earned his Bachelor's of Art degree, double majoring in History and Political Science, at Hanover College, followed by a Master's degree in Education at Ball State University. At Hanover, he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity. He met his wife working as a busboy at the Alpha Omicron Pi house; she was always the last to finish dinner, and they would talk as he was cleaning up. Roger and Patricia "Pam" McGinnis were married June 1969, in Wabash, Indiana, her hometown. After graduation, he began his teaching career in Marion, Indiana. His career continued at Wabash Junior High School, Elkhart Memorial High School and Bloomington High School North.

In 1980, Roger was offered the opportunity to serve as Assistant Principal at Summit County High School in Frisco, Colorado. The four years they spent in Summit County were an adventure, bringing them appreciation of life in the Rocky Mountains. While there, they learned to snow ski and enjoyed white-water rafting and hiking.

Accepting the position of Assistant Principal at Bloomington High School North brought Roger and his family back to Bloomington in 1984, where he spent 21 of his 35 years as an educator. One of his most memorable career experiences was his involvement with the 1999 BHSN basketball team, which won the last "open class" State Basketball Championship.

Roger was a dedicated educator who embraced innovation, always looking for new ways to create engagement in the classroom. He was compassionate in his interactions with students and an avid supporter of Cougar athletics.

Roger was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was actively engaged in the lives of his children and grandchildren, always present on the sidelines, the pool deck and at family game nights. Roger will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by Pam, his wife of 54 years, two sons, Matthew (Danielle) of Riverside, California, and David (Madisen) of Zionsville, Indiana, one daughter, Arminta (Corey McCoy) of Frederick, Maryland, three granddaughters, Allaura Gunkel, Olivia Gunkel, Tana McCoy, and one grandson, Landon Gunkel. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Hickman, niece Michelle Ballard and nephew Brian Hickman.

Burial of his ashes will take place at Center Grove Cemetery, Wabash.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, January 7, 2024, 2-4pm, at Deer Park Manor, 1501 East Hillside Drive, Bloomington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to: The Foundation of Monroe County Community Schools, Boys and Girls Club of Bloomington, Cutters Soccer Club, Bloomington