Robert J. Bunek

Robert J. Bunek
Died March 5, 2025
LAKE LEELANAU – Robert Joseph Bunek, 67, of Lake Leelanau passed away on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at home with his family at his side.
Bob was born February 18, 1958, in Traverse City. The son of Emil and Martha (O'Brien) Bunek, he spent his life in the home where he was raised.
Bob attended St. Mary School until the 8th grade. He attended high school at St. Joseph Seminary in Grand Rapids followed by three years at Christopher House Seminary and Aquinas College. He earned a History and English degree from Grand Valley State University. Bob was a Master Electrician. In his youth he worked at Bunek's Hardware and later in life owned and operated Wolverine Electric.
Bob spent many years serving St. Mary Parish and School. He was a lector, basketball coach, and the school custodian where his great nieces and nephews would greet him excitedly and receive treats.
Family was very important to Bob. He was a great teacher for his children, turning simple conversations into life lessons. He enjoyed organizing the 'tentative' schedule for family vacations and events. Uncle Bob will be remembered for his adventurous, curious spirit and forever childlike personality. He connected with children and elders effortlessly. He made smart, silly comments, bringing humor and jest to moments needing this gift.
Bob was a natural athlete, simply good at most anything he tried, He delighted in competitive sports, board games, card games, and was a merciless scrabble opponent. He gathered monthly with his brothers and his nephews for spirited card games.
A child of his generation, Bob loved TV, black and white Westerns the most. He also loved the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers and U of M Football.
Robert is survived by his loving wife of forty-four years, Theresa (Frantz) Bunek; his children, Michele (Yolanda) Bunek, and Eli Bunek; five siblings, Marsha (William) Meade, Emelia (Jack) Weber), Elmer Bunek, William (Carol) Bunek, Julius (Cheryl) Bunek; two sisters-in-law Marge Bunek, Mary Bunek and many loving nieces, nephews, in-laws and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Martha Bunek, three siblings, John Bunek, Gloria Leonard, Emil Bunek Jr.; a sister-in-law, Sue Bunek; brother-in-law Larry Leonard; and his in-laws, Stephen and Kathryn Frantz.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. with the rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20th at St. Mary's Church in Lake Leelanau.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21st with a visitation starting at 10 a.m. also at St. Mary's Church. Rev. Daniel Schumaker and Rev. Benjamin Martin will serve as concelebrants. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Mary Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Endowment Fund, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.
Please share condolences and memories with the family at www.martinson.info.
Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.