Eli Buncich

Eli Buncich Battle Creek Eli Buncich, 85, died unexpectedly on Sunday, October 17, 2010. He was born September 8, 1925 in Battle Creek, Michigan the son of Michael and Mildred (Sajatovic) Buncich. Eli began working at Stimac's Grocery as a teenager and in 1943 graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. He actively served during WWII in the U.S. Army from November 30, 1943 until April 10, 1946. After his service in the Army, he was a meat cutter at Percy Jones Hospital, owned and operated Pursley's Market, was the manager of Leatherman's Service Station, owned Eli's Service Station and prior to his retirement in 1990 was the Warehouse Manager for Atlas Sales. Eli enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, playing golf and socializing with all his friends in Battle Creek. He was a member of the P.N.A #2416, Elks Lodge # 131, American Legion Post #298, V.F.W. Post #565, Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge #533, and Teamsters Local #7 and was also an Eagle Scout. On June 21, 1947 Eli was married to the former Wanda Madry who preceded him in death on April 16, 1995. He was also preceded by his parents and son-in-law: Denny Johnson. Surviving are six daughters: Gloria (Steve) Perry of Charlotte, Steph Skinner of Jackson, Vikki (Sam) Samson of Florida, Rose (William) McCurdy of Alabama, Fran Johnson of Battle Creek and Barb (Steve) Golden of Illinois; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and one sister: Ann (Albert) Bobrofsky of Battle Creek. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery and military honors presented by the U.S. Army. Memorial contributions may be directed to Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice or St. Mary's Catholic Church, Charlotte.