Russell Charles Bunker, age 76, went to his eternal rest Tuesday evening, December 2, 2003 at his home in Eureka with a family member at his side.

He was born to George and Golda Bunker on March 22, 1927 in the Township of Rushford, Winnebago County.

He married Jalaine V. Thull of Eureka on February 15, 1947 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Berlin. They had five children: Cindy (Dave) Tritt of Pickett, Linda (Ron) Miller of Oshkosh, Russell Bunker of Sandia Park, NM, Brenda (Mike) Sperger of New London and Darlene Bunker of Oshkosh.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jalaine on March 3, 1963, his parents: George and Golda, one sister: Zoe Drover and one brother: Lloyd Bunker.

He married Janet Strebelinski of Berlin on July 15, 1967 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Berlin. They had one daughter, Deana (Steve) Ceman of Berlin.

Survivors include his children along with ten grandchildren: Lisa Tritt of Phoenix, AZ, Chad (Sheila) Tritt of Vernon, CT, Stefanie Fay of Appleton, Michelle Miller of Los Angeles, CA, Jeremy Barth of Fitchburg, Jalaine and Eric Sperger of New London, Angie Bunker of Oshkosh, Evan and Natalie Ceman of Berlin and one great grandchild: Gage Bunker of Oshkosh, his two sisters Gwen(Harold) Pruitt of Atlanta, GA and Zilla Foote of Oshkosh.

Russell proudly and faithfully served his country in the United States Navy during World War II and as Master Sergeant in the Armed Forces of the United States of America during which he fought in the Korean conflict. He received his pilots license in 1945 at the age of 17.

Russell worked at many occupations throughout his lifetime. He farmed in the Township of Poygan, owned and operated Lloyd's of Omro Family Restaurant, worked for Central Contracting of Oshkosh and was a nurses aide at Parkview Health Center in Oshkosh until his retirement in 1987.

During his years of retirement he lived especially for his children and grandchildren enjoying many visits and celebrations. He was an excellent cook and gardener. He enjoyed reading and taking his grandsons fishing.

There will be a private family service with immediate family only on Saturday, December 6, 2003 at the Kwiatkowski Funeral Home in Omro. The cremated remains will be laid to rest along with a headstone at the Eureka Cemetery.

Russell was loved and will be fondly remembered as a very loving and generous father and grandfather. His family will honor the memory of his military service of which he was so very proud.

As a Soldier, Airman, Sailor or Marine should step inside;
If he straightens to attention with a clicking of the boot,
And proudly states his presence with a textbook-sharp salute;
Embrace him, Lord, and love him in your great and perfect way;
For he was one of the best, dear Lord, the pride of the U.S.A.