Lester J. Bunnell Jr.
Saturday, July 28, 1934
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Age:
79 years old
Visitation
Date: Sunday March 23, 2014
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Sunday March 23, 2014
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Grandview Memorial Gardens [ view map ]
Saturday, July 28, 1934
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Age:
79 years old
Saturday, July 28, 1934
Date of Death:
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Age:
79 years old
Lester J. Bunnell Jr.
Lester J. Bunnell Jr. “Bubs, Sonny, Chicken,” 79, of Rochester, peacefully left this world March 18, 2014, after a long courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Lester was born July 28, 1934 in Minneapolis, MN. In 1952, he joined the U.S. Navy where he earned the ranking of E-9 Master Chief Petty Officer. He served during the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Uvalde where he was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. He also served on the Infamous Riverboats in Vietnam. After being discharged, Lester continued doing per diem work for the Navy, traveling to many Universities throughout the U.S. as a recruiter and also did many motivational speeches on his behalf. He was well respected.
Lester was married to Lois Lee but was later divorced. He had his own drywall business which kept him busy until retirement.
Lester enjoyed traveling, going to casinos, watching NASCAR and the Vikings. He enjoyed going to all of the U.S.S. Uvalde Reunions. He loved spending time with family down at the Severson’s Pond. Most of all, Lester loved spending time with his two granddaughters, McKenna and Miranda.
He is survived by his daughters, Deaneen (Quentin) Gaalswyk of Rochester, MN and Brigit Bunnell Risch of Rochester, MN. Three step-sons, Curt (Kathy) Johnson of Rochester, MN, Jeff (Judy) Johnson of Plainview, MN, and Rich (Beth) Johnson of Mansfield, TX. He is also survived by his Grandchildren, McKenna and Miranda Gaalswyk, Cindi, Cortni and Steven Risch, Garrett, Grant, Trevor and Connor Johnson, Heather, Jenna, and Lexie Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson and Steven and Andrew Miller. Also surviving are two sisters, Barb (Louis) Linsmeyer of Pembine, WI; Marion (Francis) Severson of Grand Meadow, MN. A brother Bruce (Helen) Bunnell of Albert Lea, MN. Many nieces and nephews as well.
Lester was preceded in death by his daughter Brenda Wooding and a son Bruce Bunnell. He was also preceded in death by his Parents Lester and Marion Bunnell and Deaneen’s mother, Shirley Johnson.
The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to the Cottagewood staff for Lester’s kind, capable and compassionate care.
Visitation will be held at Macken Funeral Home River Park Chapel on Sunday, March 23 at 12pm. A Memorial Service will follow at 1pm in the River Park Chapel. His wishes were to be cremated. Internment with military honors following the service will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Lester J. Bunnell Jr. has received the following condolences.
I know all of Sonny's family are grieving. I am grieving too. Sonny was like a big brother to me. When I was 13 or 14 years old Sonny was dating my sister, June Abbott and during that period he always treated me with kindness. He had an old 1939 Dodge and would take me to the dirt track at the Olmstead County Fairgrounds and let me drive it. I was a very happy boy driving Sonny's old Dodge. One day while I was driving his car on the dirt track one of the front wheels fell off and we slid in the dirt for a short distance. We got out of the car and searched the track for lug nuts and finally found three of them. Sonny jacked up the car, put the wheel back on with the three lug nuts and drove me home. Sonny was very fond of my sister and the last time I visited him at the nursing home he could not remember me but when I mentioned June, my sister, his eyes lit up and he said "Oh June" and with a big smile on his face he said "Ya, I remember June. Sonny was a very patriotic person. He loved the Navy and his country that he so bravely fought for. He once called me a hero for spending two tours in Vietnam and 28 years in the army but Sonny was the real hero. I am very proud and lucky to have had Sonny for a friend. I am very sorry he has gone but I will never forget him. He was one of the most outstanding people in my life.
I'm so sorry for your loss Brigit! I hope you had time to bring yourselves closer together & get closure. May memories bring comfort & time heal girl! Please let me know if you need anything! <3
My sympathies to you all. God Bless, Terri and Jeffrey Thorson.
Deaneen....my deepest sympathy to you and your brothers....sending loving hugs your way. I cherish all the memories I have with your dad (and even the tough ones). To this day I think of him when watching "60 Minutes"....something we spent many Sun nights doing...how he loved to bake...the nicknames he had for all of you...the parties...taking road trips with him...and how he'd talk of your Vegas vacations and even how much he loved you by taking care of your snake! :-) He had that special giggly laugh..and his grin. He was a very special person....and will be missed.
Prayers are with all your family Chicken you will be missed. Sorry I didn't get to see you one more time before you took that final step. BOB
I am so sorry for your loss but now you will have a guardian angel watching down on you from heaven
To the family of a man who will always have a piece of my heart.. I adored this man who was witty, understanding and a true gentleman. He touched many lives and I am glad and blessed to be in his audience. Many sweet memories, Laurie
(Jim and Alva's daughter)
Our deepest sympathy to you all--the family of Lester Bunnell, Jr. We have many memories that we will cherish from many years passed. May you rest in peace, Bubs.
Lester J. Bunnell (better known as CHICKEN to Navy Shipmates) will be sorely missed by all who ever came in contact with this Master Chief Petty Officer of the U.S.Navy.
It was one of the highlights of the USS UVALDE AKA-88 reunions (and there were many) when he arrived in his splendid uniform with all the medals, gold rating badge, and longevity stripes (hash marks) denoting 35 years of service.
It is/was an honor to be a friend of this loveable guy! We treasure the memories of our brief time together.
Fondly with love,
Jim & Alva Cunningham (ages 88)
Columbia, MO
(former USS UVALDE reunion coordinator and CPO & Plank Owner of the USS UVALDE WWII)
Bub's was like a Dad to me and Deaneen, you will always be my sister!
I have so many wonderful memories growing up next door to your family in Sunnydale. Every morning when I was a little girl I would wait for Bub's at the living room window and wave at him as he left for work. I will never forget all those fun yard parties and the fun we all had growing up in Sunnydale.
Bub's was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. I am blessed to have had him in my life and still have his family be part of my life.
Love,
Colleen Ahern
Bubs always bragged about all you kids. I hope you know that you meant the world to him. He was a wonderful man and will be missed. Truly sorry for your loss.