Kenneth Bunkers

Kenneth Charles Bunkers, age 81, passed away Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Good Samaritan Luther Manor in Sioux Falls, SD. Mass of Christian of Burial will begin at 10:30 AM Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. Interment will follow in the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Dell Rapids. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 PM Monday, at the church, with a Vigil Service beginning at 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Dell Rapids St. Mary School.

Ken was born on September 7, 1942, in Dell Rapids, to Andrew and Agnes (Dresch) Bunkers. He grew up on a farm northwest of Dell Rapids. He loved growing up on the farm. He enjoyed working with the horses and getting into mischief with his siblings. He attended school and graduated from St. Mary Catholic School in Dell Rapids. After graduation he entered the United States Army and eventually transitioned into the South Dakota National Guard. He later attended South Dakota State in Brookings. He was honorably discharged from the South Dakota National Guard in 1968. On November 29, 1969, he married Ellen Hurney at St. Joseph Cathedral in Sioux Falls. Ken and Family farmed until 1984. After retiring from farming, he went to work for Billion’s in Sioux Falls and eventually, making his way into insurance sales. They lived on the family farm until moving into Dell Rapids in 1990. On July 14, 1999 he lost his wife, Ellen after a courageous battle with cancer. During his retirement years he enjoyed driving bus “5” in Dell Rapids from 2010 to 2020.

Ken enjoyed playing cards, fishing, hunting and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. At his weekly card club, he met Glenda Erickson. After dating for a year and a half, Ken and Glenda were married in 2011. Glenda passed away on February 11, 2022 after her battle with cancer.

Survivors include his children: Michelle “Shelly” Bunkers, Sioux Falls, Suzanne (Mike) Pica, Dell Rapids, Stacy (Dan) Jewett, Crooks, Patrick (Brandy) Bunkers, Sioux Falls, and Melissa (Jeremy) Carlson, Dell Rapids; step-children: Suzie Hoo, Dell Rapids, and Sam Hoo, Dell Rapids; grandchildren: Noah Jewett, Paige Jewett, John Pica, Ellen “Ellie” Carlson, Carlo Pica, Brady Jewett, Gavin Pica, Sydney Carlson, Logan Carlson, Stella Bunkers, Veda Bunkers and Harper Carlson; siblings: Jen Donovan, Scottsdale, AZ, Bob (Sis) Bunkers, Pipestone, MN, Mary Sue Bunkers, Mesa, AZ, Diane (Bob) Reiff, Lake Brant, and George (Gwen) Bunkers, Sioux Falls. In-laws Ray Pederson, Dell Rapids; Mary Ann Bunkers, Franklin, WI , Donna Bunkers, Sioux Falls, many nieces and nephews other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by Ellen Bunkers wife, Glenda Erickson-Bunkers wife; brothers, Earl and Gerry Bunkers; sister, Jean Pederson; and brother-in-law, Jack Donovan.