Born August 1, 1932 in rural Glasford to Peter and Edith (Keel) Bunger, he married Carole (Rudd) Bunger June 28, 1958 in Kingston Mines. She survives.
Also surviving are daughter, Beth Rafool of Pekin; two grandchildren, Taylor (Lindsey) Rafool of East Peoria and Jensen (Colton Mason) Rafool of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina; one great-grandchild, Lincoln James Rafool that he called “little pal”; two sisters-in-law, Patsy Bunger and Jerrie Rudd and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Brad Bunger; three sisters, Eleanor Ball, Faye Taylor and Irene Bitner; two brothers, George Bunger and Clarence Bunger; four brothers-in-law, Byron Ball, Everett Taylor, Herschel Bitner and Lanny Rudd and one sister-in-law, Marlene Bunger.
John was a veteran of the United States Air Force serving from 1952 to 1956 during the Korean War. His recent trip on the Peoria Honor Flight to Washington D.C. was made even more special as his grandson, Taylor, accompanied him.
He was a member of American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville and Bartonville Post 3883 Veterans Foreign Wars.
After over 40 years at the Keystone Steel & Wire Co., John retired from the netting department in December of 1990.
John loved gardening and had a plot at the VFW in Pekin. Some of his favorite times were spent there with his daughter and grandson. He loved spending time at his farm in rural Glasford with his friend Tim tinkering with tractors. He also enjoyed spending time at the Marine Corps League with his daughter and friends. His favorite thing was spending time with family and friends.
His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Kingston Mines United Methodist Church. Pastor Erin Totten will officiate. Burial will be at Kingston Mines Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held at the Marine Corps League in Pekin from 4-6 p.m.
Cremation rites have been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61637.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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