Robert "Bob" Bunger

1942 - 2015

Robert "Bob" L Bunger
October 21, 1942 - June 24, 2015
Robert, "Bob" Bunger, 72, of Middleton, entered into eternal peace, surrounded by family and loved ones on Wednesday, June 24, 2015. He was a resident of the Samaritan Village, Brain Injury unit, Boise.
He was born, October 21st, 1942 to James Lynn Bunger and Kathryn Pauline (Hanger) Bunger in Phoenix, AZ. Bob was brother to James "Jimmy" Bunger, Jr., Nampa, and Charles "Charlie" Bunger, Middleton. He graduated from Tolleson Union High School, Tolleson, AZ. He never missed a day of school from his first day to graduation and earned the FFA National Farmer award. He married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie McWilliams on February 17, 1961.
He and his dad and brothers were dairymen. The family moved to Idaho in 1971. He later sold his herd and began trucking and hauling. During this time became involved in the Conklin Company. His diligence and hard work paid off and soon became an Area Manager with the company.
He was known to many but by many different names, Red, Dairyman, Coach, Conklin man, husband, son, brother, Grandpa and Dad.
He was "Coach" to so many throughout his several years with the Middleton Baseball program. He was asked to coach a team that some coaches called a team of "misfits and rejects". Organizers asked him to get 'em to score one run. During the first practice he discussed with the boys how good they were and what they could be. He told them it was going to be hard work and they were going to have to get themselves in shape mentally. They won the first game 22-1 and the next one 21-0! Being a coach left a lasting impression on many young lives.
On Sept. 5, 1993, He was doing what he loved, putting down a Conklin roof in Lewiston. While finishing up from a day's work he stepped on a skylight and fell through the roof. He sustained a massive head trauma that left him in a coma for many weeks. After extensive therapy, Bob was able to return home and drive his old truck around town and have coffee with friends, but his memory was impaired. Many years later he suffered a stroke due to the injuries he sustained form the fall.
His favorite name was "Dad". His children always knew they could count on his love, guidance, and a swift kick in the backside when needed. He traveled extensively but always managed to get home to coach a baseball game, cheer on a football game, volleyball game or a drill team performance. He taught his children the value of a hard day's work, kindness and generosity towards other.
He is survived by his beloved, Bonnie Bunger Krueger, Caldwell, his daughter, Tracy Bunger Fennimore and her husband Fred, New Jersey, his sons, Aaron Bunger and his better half, Janie Paige, Caldwell, and Brent Bunger and his wife Heidi, Middleton. He was loved by his grandchildren, Samantha, Austin, Ruthie, Nate, Dayna, Troy, Laney, Zack, Mallory,step grandchildren, Laura and Ryan, his great grandchildren, Jaxson, Carter and Canden, and his brothers, James "Jimmy" Bunger, Nampa, and Charles "Charlie" Bunger, Middleton. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Kathyrn Bunger.
Bob's family would like to thank the staff at Samaritan Village, Brain Injury Unit, Boise for the love, kindness, patience and exceptional care he received while a resident there.
A celebration of his life will be he held at the Lansing building, 22500 Lansing Lane, Middleton, Id, on Wednesday, July 1st at 11:00 a.m. All who knew him or his family are welcome to come share their memories of Bob. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting a donation be made to Middleton American Legion Baseball, Sunwest Bank, 1028 West Main St., Middleton Idaho, 83644, (208)562-4161