Raymond John Bunnell
August 18, 2019
Raymond John Bunnell, 89, of Bay City, our hard working, giving, loving, and loyal husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on the morning of Sunday, August 18, 2019 at his home, with his family by his side. Ray was born on June 14, 1930 in Detroit, the son of the late Florence (Socha) Bunnell. Ray served in the U.S. Air Force as a proud member of the 28th Motor Vehicle Squadron, Rapid City Air Force Base (currently Ellsworth) in South Dakota. It was there, while at a canteen dance, he met the love of his life, the former Dorothy Jane Harris of Rapid City. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on August 5, 1949; celebrating 70 wonderful years in the presence of their close family this past August 5, 2019. Together they raised five children and shared countless memories during Ray’s 89 years on this earth. He worked for Liberty Homes and then went on to retire from General Motors. Throughout life, Ray enjoyed fishing, golfing, drafting, and woodworking. He was known for his endless giving, always willing to help anyone in need. He will be missed dearly and lovingly remembered for generations to come. Ray leaves to cherish his memory, the beautiful love of his life, Dorothy; their five children, Vicki (Fred) Gonea, Dena Bunnell, Wendy (Michael) Janowicz, John (Penny) Bunnell, and Kellie Bunnell; wonderful grandchildren, Adam Gonea, Matthew (Jillian) Gonea, Zachary Bunnell, Chad (Melissa) Janowicz, Erin (Nikolas) Shenk, Nathan Janowicz, Brooke (Stephen) Long, Jenna Bunnell (David Hull), Patrick Van Poppelen (Carla Sipiceanu), Karlie Van Poppelen, Marcus Van Poppelen (Erica Taylor); five great-grandchildren, Kase, Grace, and Reed Janowicz, Nora Shenk, and Alita Van Poppelen; sister, Pam Jennings; cherished aunt, Ardis Heacock whom Ray thought of as a sister, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his mother, Ray was welcomed home to heaven by his sister, Kathryn Horning. Ray’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, August 22, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again on Friday, August 23, 2019 from 9:00 AM until the time of his 10:00 AM Life Celebration at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow in the Wesley Room at Skorupski’s. Reverend Erv Hutter will officiate with interment to be held in Floral Gardens Cemetery following the reception. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at New Hope Bay and The Care Team Hospice, especially Brenda and Janet, for their compassionate and loving care they gave Ray. In lieu of flowers, donations will support the Alzheimer's Association or the Rogel Cancer Center Breast Cancer Program at the University of Michigan. Checks may be made to “University of Michigan” and sent to the Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 1000 Oakbrook Dr., Ste. 100, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website https://victors.us/raymondjohnbunnell to make your gift. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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Our sincere condolences on the loss of your dear father. You and those who loved and cared for your dad are in our thoughts and prayers.
John & Penny. My sincerest sympathy in the passing of your Dad. May he rest in peace
Mrs. Bunnell,Vicki, Dena, Wendy, John and Kellie: I was saddened to hear of your fathers passing. He was such a wonderful man and will be missed by many. Please know that I will keep all of you all in my thoughts and prayers that God will wrap his loving arms around each and every one of you to help you through this most difficult time. Rest in Peace Mr. Bunnell……
I send condolences to Ray’s family. We worked together in the 70’s & 80’s. Always friendly and a very nice guy to know and be friends with. May he rest in peace.
My prayers and condolences for the Bunnell family.
Dena, Mrs Bunnell, and family, My condolences and deepest sympathy go to each of you at this very difficult time. Mr. Bunnell was a great man. I cherish many memories I have growing up with this wonderful family from the road trips I took with them to just spending time at home. May love and your special memories you hold in your hearts get you through this very difficult time. RIP Mr. Bunnell.
We always had a great time at the pool, your parents were like my own, enjoyed every time I was able to spend with them and all of you.
Todd Reder