Harry Carl Bunge

Harry Carl Bunge died at 7:38 p.m. on Friday, March 3, 2000 at Fair Acres Nursing Home where he had been for two and a half years.
He was born on June 11, 1906 in the Shakerag community north west of DuQuoin to Ira C. and Bertha (Gerdis) Bunge.  He spent most of his childhood in that community.
As a teenager, he moved to Elgin.  There he started working for the Byer and North West bakery.  IN 1935 he came back to Perry County.  He started working as a dough mixer for Theobalds Bakery, a job he kept until the bakery closed in 1956.  After that he worked for district #300 school as a bus driver and custodian for 15 years until he retired.
After retiring he worked as a night guard at the DuQuoin Packing Co. for three years.  His hobby was gardening.  He raised enough garden for his family and neighbors.  He belonged to the Senior Citizens, Gold Plate, AARP and IMRA.  He belonged to the Second Baptist Church and the mens Sunday School Class.  He was mayor of St. Johns for 12 years, was  Republican precinct committeeman for 16 years and a member of the school board for three terms.
On October 24, 1936 he was married to Helen H. Hill at the First Baptist Church by Dr. I.E. Lee.  They had four children, Karl and wife Janet Bunge of DuQuoin, Harold and wife Marion Bunge of Indianapolis, IN, Janet and husband Jerry Maxton of DuQuoin and Kathy and husband Chris Darnell of DuQuoin.
Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Kim Hallinin, Tanya Newkirk, Karla Whited, David Bunge, Jason Maxton, Krysta Darnell and Kacie Darnell; seven great-grandchildren, Josh and Nathan Whited, Miranda Bunge, Alexis, Dakota and Cali Hallinin and Danielle Newkirk; two step-grandsons, Jason and Jordan Keller and one great-step-granddaughter, Breanna Rae.  He is also survived by several nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Bertha Bunge; one brother, Albert Bunge; one sister, Elena and husband Tom Durham and one grandson, Bryan Maxton.
Funeral services were Tuesday, March 7 at 11 a.m. at Maxton Funeral Chapel with Rev. Jason Browning officiating.  Interment was in Sunset Memorial Park.
Friends were able to call after 5 p.m. Monday at Maxton Chapel.
Memorials may be made to Second Baptist Church, Fair Acres Nursing Home or Alzheimers Association Southern Illinois Chapter.
