Donald Bunker, 81

Well-known longtime valley resident Donald (Don) Bunker passed away Dec. 20, 2017, at his home on Helena Flats Road in Kalispell. He had suffered from a variety of health problems for several years; now his suffering has ended.

Don was born in Wolf Point, Montana, in 1936 to Raymond and Vera (Byxbe) Bunker. In 1942 he moved with his family to the Flathead Valley, where he later graduated from Flathead High in 1956. After high school Don joined the Army and then the Army Reserves. For several years he worked for the Forest Service, then moved on to a few other jobs such as the Ford dealership, Plum Creek, manager of Jet Oil, S&S Manufacturing and then on to McElroy & Wilken driving a concrete truck until his retirement. As a concrete truck driver Don had the opportunity to meet many area residents and was well-known for his generosity and sense of humor.

In his early years Don married Lorene (Sue) Engebretson. Don adopted Lorene’s daughter Kelly and together they also had two children, Ron and Rebecca. Don and Lorene divorced, and Don later married Geraldine Dodd. Geraldine had two children, Robin and Denise, whom he also adopted.

Don dearly loved fishing and camping and would do so every chance he got. When he was a bit younger, boating, skiing, and snowmobiling gave him great pleasure. For many years, he and his wife Jerry looked forward to spending part of each year down south. Don was quite the social butterfly and made many friends there.

Don is survived by his wife Geraldine (Jerry), and his children, Kelly Smith (Steve), Ronald Bunker (Nichole), Rebecca Williamson (Jim), Robin Bunker, all of the Flathead Valley, and Denise Bunker of Libby. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jonathon, Tyler, Alex, Hannah, Kyle, Brandon, Derek, Chaz and Mariah and five great-grandchildren; his brothers, Mark (Joan) of Wyoming, Kenneth of Kalispell; sisters Nadine Sand of Wyoming and Barbara Hayes (Mark) of Missoula; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private service for the immediate family will be held and a “celebration of life,” to include all his friends and family, will be planned for a future date in 2018.

In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to “Hospice” or a charity of your choice.

Don will be truly missed by his family and many, many friends.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.