Robert Bunke

Robert W. Bunke left his home in Rochester, MN and went to heaven November 30, 2024. He was born May 3, 1927 on a farm in Hart, MN. His 97 years on this earth were first formed by growing up in a family of loving parents, Paul and Ragna Bunke, along with 12 siblings. Robert is now joining his parents and all his brothers and sisters who have gone before him: Paul, Edgar, Melvin (Pete), Esther, Earl, Myrtle (Otis), Alfreda, Grace (Swanson), Wilton, Marilyn (Smaby), Stanley and Clinton.

Robert married Bettie Lou Anderson July 10, 1949 and enjoyed 75 years of marriage. They were blessed with 4 children: Jeffrey (Patty Johnson), Jaclyn (Michael Woll), Jim (Donita Dolley) and Jay (JoAnn Westby). More blessings arrived with 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. One grandson, Justin Bunke, and a grandson-in-law, Rodney Anderson, preceded him in death. Robert and Bettie Lou lived in Rushford most of their lives, spending 31 winters in their home in Mesa, AZ. For the last 10 years they have lived in Rochester, MN.

Robert enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served his country for 6 years, including 1 1/2 years in the Korean War as a Staff Sergeant. Upon returning home, his plan was to continue his career as a pilot. But plans changed as he was asked to manage an upstart telephone company, Ace Telephone. He spent 44 years in the telephone industry with many accolades and awards. He was CEO of Ace Telephone and eventually CenCom. He served on the Iowa and Minnesota State boards. He became President of the United States Independent Telephone Association and was Honored with the Distinguished Service Award- both state and nationally. He was inducted into the Telephone Hall of Fame in 1994. He is listed in Who's Who in America and in Who's Who in Industry and Finance.

Robert's love of flying never left him. He attained his pilot's license at 17. He flew for over 50 years and owned four different airplanes. He worked hard to bring an airport to Rushford and in 2017, that municipal airport was named Robert W. Bunke Field, 55Y.

His interests were many. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter. He tied flies, made arrows, and did taxidermy work. He loved to read and study. He was a lifelong learner. Above all, his guiding force in life was his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and the study of His Word. It was actually on the ship coming back from the war when he gave his life over to the Lord. He stood by that promise until the day he died. He taught Sunday School, was on the Bethel Bible Board and taught the Bethel Bible Series. He preached at churches in the area. He wrote many Bible Studies and guided his children and their spouses through several books of the Bible.

A special thank you is extended to the compassionate medical care of Dr. Vaughan, Palliative Care Nurse Brenda, and the Mayo Hospice team of Emily, Amy Jo, Meredith and Shirley. Pastor Kom and Pastor Chellew helped send off this faithful man. The family also thanks all the relatives, friends and neighbors who supported them with love, concern, prayer, and sustenance.

Robert W. Bunke led a full and abundant life. His legacy will encourage his family and friends until they all meet again. Visitation will be held from 4-7pm Friday, December 13 at Hoff Funeral Home in Rushford, MN. The funeral will be held on Saturday, December 14 at 10:30 am with visitation one hour before at Rushford Lutheran Church in Rushford, MN. Burial will take place at Rushford Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to bless Rushford Lutheran Church or Good Shepherd Nursing Home.

The funeral service will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend. Please follow the link below to be directed to Rushford Lutheran Church's YouTube Channel. 

http://www.youtube.com/@rushfordlutheranchurch1892