Carole A. Dunning

Carole Dunning ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by O'Guinn Family Funeral Homes - Birch Run Chapel on Mar. 16, 2026.Carole Alice Dunning (Schmitzer), age 88, of Manistique, MI, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2026. She was born on September 13, 1937, in Blackmar, Michigan, to Adolph and Lorraine (Judd) Schmitzer. Carole was a longtime resident of Birch Run, MI, where she lived with her husband William "Bill" Dunning, to whom she was married for 69 years.Carole was a graduate of Birch Run High School and was the first Homecoming Queen in 1953. She married her high school sweetheart, Bill, in 1955, and enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her three children. Carole and Bill were longtime members of the Birch Run United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday School Teacher. She was also a warrior in prayer for her family and many friends. Carole worked at Bronner's of Frankenmuth for a few years before she and Bill moved to the Manistique area of the Upper Peninsula in their retirement.Carole deeply loved her family and close friends. Her faith in Jesus Christ and love for God her Heavenly Father was evident to all. She will be remembered for her wonderful kindness, compassion, humility and prayerful ministry to others, as well as for her gracious hospitality. Carole also loved gardening and preserving of the harvest, and she delighted in baking pies to share with family and friends.Carole is forever loved by her children: Christopher (Christine) Dunning of Auburn, MI, Colleen (Dan) Thompson of Fort Myers, FL, and Thom (Stacy) Dunning of Grand Rapids, MI; Grandchildren: Caleb (Brittany) Dunning, Carli (Peter Winberg) Bowman, Stephanie (Ryan) Dorman, and Nathan (Amy) Thompson; Great-grandchildren: Jasper, River, Noah, and Chloe; Sisters-in-law: Ruth Schmitzer & Sandra Dickerson; as well as close friends and caregivers who were like family.Carole was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill; Parents, Adolph & Lorraine Schmitzer; Parents-in-law: Charles & Florence Dunning; Brother, Richard 'Dick' Schmitzer; and her brothers-in-law: Thomas Dunning & Jerry Dickerson.A celebration of Carole's life will be held at 2PM on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the O'Guinn Family Funeral Home in Birch Run. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 12PM until the time of service at 2PM. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in memory of Carole.O'Guinn Family Funeral HomeBirch Run Chapel989-624-9342To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.