“Michael Joseph Dunker, 44, of Manteno, passed away Friday (June 27, 2014) at his home in Manteno.
He was born Jan. 17, 1970, in Harvey. He was a childhood cancer survivor.
Michael was a CNC machinist from 1998 to 2008. From 1995 to 1998, he was a member of the National Turkey Federation, where he served as chairman and vice president. He was also a member of the Manteno Sportsman’s Club, serving on the conservation board in 1997.
Michael was active in reenactments of both the French and Indian War, and War of 1812, served as the blacksmith at the Kankakee Marsh, and was an active black powder enthusiast from the age of nine.” (excerpt from the Daily Journal)
Mike’s story with the Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps began at the bygone Theatiki event in Illinois. Mike was an avid reenactor and he and Dave King became connected through the Theatiki event. One thing led to another, and eventually Mike became the camp cook for the Theatiki Fife and Drum Corps. Dave King had a knack for “absorbing” people who were looking for a family and a place to belong, and Mike fit right in with the rest of the corps. He was a great help around camp – it’s challenging keeping a corps fed! Mike also helped out with other things and was always happy to lend a hand where he could. He traveled with the corps for the corps trip to the East Coast to the Deep River Ancient Muster in summer of 2011 and enjoyed many other events with the corps.