Obituary
Gary Wayne Bunes
Born July 29th 1951 Died April 3rd 2018
Gary Bunes fought cancer with the same bullheadedness and stubbornness his family grew so accustomed to. Sadly, he took his last breath on 4/3/2018 as he waved goodbye to his wife of many years.
One of Gary’s biggest loves was the great outdoors. Whether it was fishing, trapping, or
hunting, the great outdoors is where he found his own piece of heaven. Though at times his equipment wasn’t the best, he always made do and found enjoyment eventually in the
frustration. He’d loved to tell great tales of growing up in Northern Minnesota. His tales of chasing whitetails in the Coolevard, his family owned tavern, his hunting adventures and mishaps, and of course his fishing trips to Minnesota and throughout the state of Wisconsin, are well known in many parts of the United States. He loved to share his stories of the wild escapades he enjoyed with two of his all-time adventure comrades Ron Wagner, and the notorious Dennis Card. Gary always was willing to mentor and teach the next generation of outdoorsmen. He bonded closely with his grandson and hunting partner Brian Bunes. They spent many frost covered mornings in the marshes around Warrens, WI chasing waterfowl and telling stories. Gary taught Brian not only to become a good hunter, he had a large part of teaching him how to be a good man.
He loved sharing his knowledge of hunting and fishing to others that were interested in learning about the outdoors. Two of Gary’s favorite examples are Alaughn and his army buddy Jimmy. He became very close to both of these men. He always found time to brag about their hunting/fishing skills that he felt he helped develop. It was well known that if Gary took you out fishing or hunting even once, you became a part of his family.
In the later years of his life, his grizzled and at times grumpy exterior began to fade as
grandchildren were able to unlock a cuddly teddy bear hiding inside. This was a side that
everyone who saw him with or talk about his grandchildren experienced, but a very lucky few got to experience first hand. Gary took great pride in serving his Country. He served in the US Navy on the USS Shenandoah (as a Corpsman), enjoyed working at Ft. McCoy, and spent many years in the Army Reserves, finally retiring, just seven years ago.He is left behind by his lovely wife Gail Bunes. His children Shane Bunes, Kimmy Cave, Chris
Bunes, Eric Bunes and Jerry Bunes. His grandchildren Brian Bunes, Jordan Cave, McKenzie Cave, Gabriella Gerdes, Benjamin Bunes and Eila Bunes. His sisters Diane Jones and Mona Munger.
He is preceded in death by his parents Gordon and Norma Bunes, and one of his best friends and adventure comrades, Dennis Card.
Public is welcome and encouraged to attend a “Celebration of Life” for Gary Bunes that will be held at the VFW in Tomah, WI on April 12, 2018 starting at 5pm.
Glad to call him friend and was proud to be by his side in hospice and Honor Escort as he began his Journey Home. RIP friend