Donald Bunkowski

Donald Rudolph Bunkowski was born on March 31, 1927 in Dora Township on the Bunkowski Family Farm, the son of Rudolph and Alma (Sonnenberg) Bunkowski. He passed away Monday July 22, 2019 at Oak Crossing in Detroit Lakes.

Don was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vergas. He grew up and attended country school in rural Vergas and began farming at a young age.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Army receiving his honorable discharge in 1954. He received his basic training at Fort Knox and was stationed in Germany following WWII as part of the peace keeping mission.

On August 1, 1952, Don was united in marriage to Janette Glawe at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vergas. To this union they raised five children.

After returning home from military service, Don and Janette moved to Foxhome, MN to farm with his brother “Bob.”  In 1959, they returned to Vergas and Don farmed and milked cows until his retirement.  Once asked how long he had milked cows, Don’s response was, “How old am I?”

Don was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, and served on several church boards. He was a volunteer fireman with the Vergas Fire Department for many years as well as serving on the local creamery and elevator boards.  Don enjoyed fishing occasionally when he wasn’t farming. Later in life, Janette and Don enjoyed spending winters in Texas and took time to do some traveling.

Don is survived by his children: Terry (Julie) Bunkowski of Sartell, MN; Tom (Karen) Bunkowski of Vergas; Scott (Karen) Bunkowski of Fountain City, Wisconsin; Jodi Kako of Nevis, MN; 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sister: Leola Ferber of Detroit Lakes.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Janette Bunkowski in January of 2019; parents: Rudolph and Alma Bunkowski; son: Todd Bunkowski; brother: Robert Bunkowski; and brother-in-law: Clyde Glawe.

Donald's Memorial Service:

Friday, July 26, 2019 at 11:00am

St. John's Lutheran Church in Vergas, MN

Visitation will be one-hour prior to service