Wilmer Bunger

Dates

Obituary

Wilmer Bunger, 86, of Emery, SD, passed away peacefully Monday, December 16, 2024, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be Thursday, December 19, from 4-7:00 PM at Bittner Funeral Chapel. A private graveside service will be at Emery Community Cemetery.

Wilmer Clarence Bunger was born in Emery on August 5, 1938, to Henry and Mary (Wobig) Bunger. He was raised on their family farm and assisted every chance he could. He went on to receive his 8th Grade diploma from Jefferson Township School #12.

In March of 1957, Wilmer joined the South Dakota National Guard. He was a member of the 260th Field Artillery Battalion, which was part of the 147th Field Artillery Regiment. Wilmer attended regular National Guard Drills until March of 1966. Up until his last days, he would often pass around pictures of these days in uniform with his loved ones.

Nothing brought Wilmer more joy than farming and watching things grow. For a time, he was a custom corn sheller in McCook County. Throughout his more than 50 years running his own farm, Wilmer raised corn, oats, soybeans, Angus cattle, and pigs. He was a member of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Emery since 1973.

While dining at the restaurant at Stanley Corner, he met Susie Hofer. Susie and Wilmer were married on May 31st, 1973. From 1980 until the end of their days, they lived just east of Emery on the farm that has been in the Bunger family for 140 years.

He was known and loved for his quick wit and sense of humor. When he wasn’t farming, Wilmer was an excellent bowler, and for multiple years he was a member of a Thursday Night Bowling League. He also loved attending his step-grandchildren’s sporting events. When they were younger, he would give them 4-wheeler rides around the section and take them fishing. More often than not, he was teaching them important things about life, sometimes without actually using words.

Wilmer is survived by his four step-children, James (Pam) Hofer, Jerry (Jean) Hofer, Bonnie (Jerry) Engbrecht, and Carrie Hofer; six step-grandchildren: Nick (Lisa) Hofer, Chad Hofer, Luke (Bobbi Jo) Engbrecht, Wendy (Ryan) Quam, Joe (Stephanie) Janssen, and Anne Janssen; and 12 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Susie, and his parents, Henry and Mary.

Visitation(s)

Cemetery