Ward Ellis Bunker

Ward Ellis Bunker, age 90, of White Bear Lake, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024. He was born in Minot, ND in 1933 and raised on a wheat farm in nearby Sawyer. After high school, he served in the Army in Europe, then returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Darlene. He earned his bachelor's degree from Minot State Teacher's College and a master's degree from the University of St. Thomas. He was a beloved teacher and counselor for 32 years in the St. Paul school district. Ward and Darlene built their dream lake home "up north," spending summers on Man Lake, and winters in Sun City, Arizona. Ward loved animals of every kind, sweet treats, woodworking, and fixing things (an original DIY guy), but most of all he loved his family. He was an avid Minnesota sports team fan and refused to give up on them, despite years of disappointment. He was famous for watching sports on TV, while listening to sports on the radio, while reading the sports page all at the same time. Ward was a gentle, good-natured soul who never lost the optimism and resolve of his youth, living a full life of purpose and helping others. He was deeply loved and admired and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Darlene Y. (Severson) Bunker; their daughter, Lou Ann Bunker-Hellmich, married to Thomas, and their three children: Emily Hellmich and husband, Wayne Fan, and son, Max; Katherine (Hellmich) Clement and husband, Jeff Clement, and son, Ronan; and Hannah Hellmich. He is also survived by the children of his late son, Doug: Michael, married to Brittney, and children, Maddy and Mason; Samantha, married to David McGee, and son, Jonathan; and daughter-in-law, Julie Gulland (formerly Bunker). He is also survived by his sister, Wilma Kabanuk, and her husband, Allen, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Mabel Bunker; his beloved son, Doug Bunker; and sisters Lavonne "Bonnie" Anderson (Lyle) and Shirley Corn (Bo). A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday Aug. 17th at the United Church of Christ in New Brighton,1000 Long Lake Road. Visitation at 1:00 PM, service at 2:00 PM, reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ward's life with a Tribute Donation to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org). The family would like to extend their gratitude to Willows Bend Senior Living in Fridley and Grace Hospice for their compassionate care during Ward's final days. Washburn - McReavy Shoreview Chapel (651) 482-7606

Tributes

Ward Ellis Bunker

September 15, 1933 - July 6, 2024

Tributes

Ward Ellis Bunker

September 15, 1933 - July 6, 2024

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