Robert J. Bunting Sr.

1949 - 2025

Robert J. Bunting Sr.

February 14, 1949 - June 17, 2025

Rochester, Minnesota - Robert J. Bunting Sr., 76, died June 17, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born February 14, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter F. and June A. (Klotz) Bunting.

Bob graduated from St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where he was a proud member of the basketball team. He earned an associate degree from Robert Morris College and later attended Illinois State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics.

During his junior year at Illinois State, Bob was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War and fully anticipated leaving within weeks. Just before his scheduled departure, President Richard Nixon ended the military draft and signed the Paris Peace Accords, effectively ending U.S. involvement in the war - and keeping Bob stateside.

Throughout his youth and into adulthood, Bob's Catholic faith was a steady and central part of his life. His early years reflected a blend of discipline, faith, and drive - traits that would later define his leadership in business and in life.

He married Barbara Zajac on July 5, 1975, in Chicago, Illinois, and together they built a life rooted in family, business, and service to others. They welcomed their son, Robert J. Bunting Jr., on May 8, 1980, in Newton, Kansas, followed by their daughter, Molly Bunting (Claassen), on March 26, 1986.

After college, Bob began his career as a sales representative for the Goodyear Tire Company. In 1975, he returned to the family business and began working in sales at Bunting Magnetics - a company founded in 1959 in Chicago by his parents, Walter and June. The company relocated to Newton, Kansas, in 1979. Bob worked alongside his father for 18 years before becoming President and CEO in 1993.

For 30 years, Bob led the company through a period of significant growth and global expansion. Under his leadership, Bunting established operations in the United Kingdom, China, and Australia, along with additional facilities across North America. He helped diversify the company's product lines and positioned Bunting as a trusted partner to manufacturers and producers around the world.

Though his business achievements were substantial, Bob was most proud of maintaining Bunting's identity as a family-owned company and supporting the people who helped it thrive.

In addition to his corporate leadership, Bob was deeply committed to giving back. He and his family consistently supported charitable, educational, and civic initiatives across Newton and the surrounding region. Their longstanding support included the United Way, the Newton Public Library Foundation, Newton Unified School District 373, St. Mary School and the regional YMCA project. In recognition of their leadership and generosity, Bob and Barbara were honored as Philanthropists of the Year by the Newton Public Library Foundation and were also recognized by the Central Kansas Community Foundation.

Bob believed strongly in supporting Bunting employees and their families. Under his guidance, the company established the Walter F. and June A. Bunting Memorial Scholarship Fund to help the children of employees pursue higher education. Originally founded in Newton, the program was later extended to all Bunting employees across the globe. Whether through public gifts or quiet contributions, Bob's commitment to others reflected his deep belief that strong companies are built by strong, supported people.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara, of the home; his daughter, Molly (Cody) Claassen; his son, Robert (Becky) Bunting Jr.; sisters Donna Jean (Mark) Draznik, Patricia Ann Jackowski, and June Marie (Rich) Meister. He is also survived by seven grandchildren - Finn, June, John, Harvey, Walter, and Annie Claassen, and Rhys John Bunting - as well as his brother- and sister-in-law, Dr. Edward J. Zajac and Dr. Deborah Majerus, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter F. and June A. Bunting.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Newton, with The Reverend Andrew Bergkamp officiating. A graveside service will follow, with lunch to be served at St. Mary Catholic School.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Petersen Funeral Home. A recitation of the Rosary will take place at 6 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, followed by visitation in the parish school. The casket will remain open at the church until 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob's name may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church (Newton, KS) or Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN). Contributions may be left in care of Petersen Funeral Home, sent directly to the organizations, or made online.