Marianne Elizabeth Dunkman

Marianne Elizabeth (McKnight) Dunkman, age 75 of Greenwood, Indiana passed away on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025.

Marianne was born on July 18,1949 in Indianapolis, Indiana, daughter of Howard and Mary (Richert) McKnight. She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of 56 years: Fredric Wallace Dunkman II, her children: Suzanne (husband, Ben) Griffith of Greenfield and Andrew Dunkman of Indianapolis, her brother: Patrick (wife, Marilyn) McKnight of Bargersville and her granddaughter, Lillianne Griffith of Greenfield.

Marianne married Fredric on March 23,1968 in Indianapolis. Soon after, Fredric, who was in the Navy, received orders to serve in Morocco, Africa. Two months later, Marianne traveled to Morocco to be with Fred. They lived in Morocco for a year and a half, returning to the U.S. in late 1969. Fred was then assigned to Norfolk, Virginia where they lived until Fredric was discharged in 1970, and then returned to Indianapolis. They spent 30 years raising their family in New Palestine, Indiana, then later moved to Greenwood.

Marianne grew up on the eastside of Indianapolis. She attended Arsenal Tech High School, graduating in the class of 1967. After graduating high school she continued her education to become a Medical Assistant, graduating in 1968, then working for Dr. Walter P. Adams, MD in Norfolk and Dr. Victor J. Vollrath, MD in Indianapolis for 5 years, until 1975. She then went on to become a Registered Nurse, earning her Associates degree from IU in 1980, then later her Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State in 1996. As a Pediatric Nurse, Nurse/Office Manager for the St. Francis Family Practice Residency (Franciscan Health Family Medicine Residency), she cared for many people over the years. She worked at St. Francis (Franciscan) Hospital for 40 years. She was a kind-hearted, loving, caregiver by nature. Marianne was an energetic woman who loved to be on the go. She enjoyed many things throughout her life including shopping, taking care of her cats, and spending time with family. She loved traveling, taking trips to Europe, vacationing in Florida and Vegas with The Girls, and especially going to Las Vegas with her family. She also enjoyed being a season ticket holder and attending Indianapolis Colts games regularly. Rarely, was there a game when she didn’t make it on the big screen! 

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Cremation Rites will be accorded. Marianne will be placed to rest in the Cumberland Trails Cremation Garden at Washington Park East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Marianne had asked that donations be made in her name to the FACE, Low Cost Animal Clinic, on her behalf.

The family wishes to give a very special thank you to the staff at the Franciscan Hospice House where she received excellent, compassionate, loving care as she spent her final days.