Walter Bunch

LOVILIA — Walter L. Bunch, age 67, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Lovilia passed away Saturday, June 28 at ManorCare in Cedar Rapids after a courageous battle with cancer.He was born Jan. 20, 1941 in Lovilia, Iowa to James Bryan and Irene Goldie (Roberts) Bunch. He married Sherry Blomgren in 1962.Surviving Walter are his two sons, Steve (Tonya) Bunch of Lovilia, Kevin Bunch of Albia; one daughter, Michelle (Hugh) Scieszinski of Mount Vernon, Iowa; three sisters, Helen Baker of Burlington, Iowa, Ruth Belzer of Albia and Carol (Jerry) Belzer of Lawrence, Kan.; one brother, George (Barb) Bunch of Albia; his grandchildren, Stephan and Katie Bunch, Whitney Tedford, Susanne, Jacob, Mallory and Jayden Scieszinski; and two great-granddaughters, Leah and Abigail Tedford.Walter was preceded in death by his parents; and one sister, Dorothy Cotter.Following high school in 1959, Walter joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Lincoln, Neb. He served as a mechanic with the Elite Force Strategic Air Command. He worked for Allied Construction in Des Moines for 17 years belonging to the Carpenter’s Local Union 106. He was a talented carpenter and built houses around Monroe County in his spare time. He was an avid pilot for many years and an instructor pilot who taught many Monroe County residents to fly. He was a member of the American Legion Howard Cessna Post 136. He previously served as a member of the Lovilia Volunteer Fire Department.Walter’s joys in life were flying, woodworking and hunting. His absolute greatest joy and source of pride were his grandchildren. He loved watching them play sports, particularly wrestling and softball. He would cheer from those hard bleachers for hours in gymnasiums during the winter and in the hot sun during the summer. He will always be their #1 fan.A special thank you to ManorCare staff for the wonderful care and friendship you provided Walt. You all have a special place in Walt’s (Grandpa Walt) heart. Also, thank you to Hospice of Mercy for your support and assistance during Walt’s illness.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the Gilbert Funeral Home, Lovilia Chapel with the Rev. Lynda Carlson officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia.Visitation will open to the public at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2008 and the family will be present from 6-8 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home, Lovilia Chapel.An open memorial has been established in Walter’s name.Gilbert Funeral Home, Lovilia Chapel is handling the arrangements.Condolences may be made at gilbertfuneralhome.netObituary may be viewed at: www.legacy.com/ottumwacourier/Obituaries.asp