Mildred Margaret Bunker

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Mildred Margaret Bunker, affectionately known by most as Frankie. She completed her life’s journey on January 10, 2024, dying peacefully at home in the embrace of her daughters.

Frankie was the fourth of seven children born on March 28, 1927 to German-Russian immigrants Henry A. and Anna Frank. She grew up as a member of a hard-working farm family in Loveland, Colorado. She spoke fondly of her father who would rise before dawn to clear irrigation ditches by hand, and of her mother who began baking bread for the noon meal before the light of day. Although not a family of substantial means, their wealth was measured in the strength of their faith, their integrity, their work ethic, their generosity, and their love for and strong bonds with one another. These values guided Frankie throughout her life.

After graduation from Loveland High School, Frankie worked as a telephone operator. At a Saturday evening dance, she caught the eye of a handsome young man who worked as a crop duster following his service as a heroic Navy fighter pilot during WW II. Martin and Frankie were married on December 19, 1949. The young couple was soon blessed with the births of three daughters, Diane, Dixie, and Carolyn (Corky). Martin began his career as a pilot for United Airlines. In the early 1960’s, the family moved into a newly constructed home in Littleton, Colorado. Martin’s busy flight schedule required him to be away for several days at a time during which Frankie maintained a well-run household with three active children.

When their daughters graduated from high school, Martin and Frankie moved back to Greeley. After joining the Greeley Women’s Assistance League, Frankie donated hours of volunteer time while nurturing life-long friendships with other volunteers. Martin and Frankie frequently spent time at their cabin in Red Feather, Colorado where Martin fished and Frankie, a voracious reader, read, painted, and enjoyed the solitude.

Following Martin’s retirement after a 32-year career with United Airlines, his health began to fail. Frankie devoted her time to caring for Martin until his death on October 20, 2001. Frankie maintained her independence for several years until a debilitating bout with shingles limited her mobility. With the assistance of her daughters, she continued to live in her home until the day she died.

Surviving Frankie are her daughters Diane Bischoff (Brad) of Fort Collins, Colorado, Dixie Dupey (Nyal Hodges) of Panora, Iowa, and Corky Whitmer of Greeley, Colorado; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; her brother Robert Frank (Nancy-deceased); and her beloved kitty, Boo. In addition to her parents and husband, Frankie was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses: Irene Aschenbrenner (Adam), Hilda Kauffman (Jake), Harry Frank (Elvera), Elmer Frank (Bernice), Ruby Standage (Bob), and her granddaughter Stephanie Whitmer.

Family and friends are invited to join Frankie’s immediate family to bid this strong, generous, compassionate woman a final farewell. A memorial service, with a reception to follow, will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Allnutt Funeral Service, Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors or Tunnels to Towers, both organizations that Frankie generously supported. Condolences to the family may be left online at www.allnuttmacychapel.com.

A memorial service for Mildred will be held Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Allnutt Funeral Service, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634. Following the memorial service will be a reception at 11:00 AM at Allnutt Funeral Service - Macy Chapel, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.