Garry K. Bunce

NAME GARRY K. BUNCE,age 63, died tragically following complications from emergency surgery on Thursday, November 12, 2009 at Provena Mercy Center Hospital, Aurora. BORN: He was born February 15, 1946, the son of Delos and Vivian (Harrett) Bunce in Aurora, IL. EARLY YEARS:Garry grew up on Lasher Rd. near Kaneville and graduated from Kaneland High School in 1964. EDUCATION: Garry was born a mechanic but grew into a "Diesel Mechanic Extraordinaire". Garry never darkened a doorway at a traditional university, but he studied his craft relentlessly. He never stopped learning and soon he could fix anything with the exception of the T.V. which was off limits per his wife. MARRIAGE: He was united in marriage to Linda Price on May 1, 1965 at Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church in Plainfield, IL.RESIDENTIAL HISTORY: They began their new life together in Hinckley and Big Rock for a time before moving to Aurora in 1975. In 1992 they made the move to Elburn where they made memories for the next seventeen years. OCCUPATION / WORK HISTORY:Garry worked at the Big Rock Truck Stop from 1964-1971 before spending the next thirty-eight years at Northern National Lease/Ryder. Garry could fix anything and his talent for helping and inspiring people was amazing. He taught his employees the importance of doing the job the right way the first time because public safety depended on your work. MEMBERSHIPS: He was a long time member of Wheatland Salem United Methodist Church and was proud to be a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace workers for thirty-eight years. LIFE NOTES: Garry was a good and gentle man who was intensely devoted to his wife and family. He treated his wife like a Queen and spoiled his children making sure they always had their heart’s desire. Garry also wasn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve and never missed an opportunity to tell his wife, kids and grandchildren how much he loved them. Although his family always came first, he never hesitated to help others in need. His skills and friendly personality was known and acknowledged by everyone he met. Garry lived his life with a friendly smile and a contagious laugh. He loved black and white movies, the hilarity of The Three Stooges, and never turned the channel when "Svengoolie" was on Channel 26. Even when he wasn’t working, his hands never stayed still, or clean, as he worked old motorcycles making them run faster and stronger. He also worked on cars and trucks leaving his mark on every one. He loved to travel, go Gem hunting in North Carolina and antique shopping with Linda wherever and whenever they could. Garry loved the times he spent hunting at his uncle’s or fishing in the creek by his house and he couldn’t help but join in the fun when his kids would go sledding. Ready with a easy laugh, Garry loved to tell funny stories and play practical jokes. He also was an animal lover and kept a special place in his heart for his dogs, Fluffy, Sherry and Tina. The holidays spent at his home and games of horseshoes played in the back yard will never be the same without Garry. No longer able to leave his trademark crushed pop cans as a calling card, Garry’s mark on our hearts will last for generations. SURVIVORS: He now leaves his loving wife of forty-four years, Linda;Two children:Deanna (Karl) Martinek, Connie (Tod) Parish, Four grandchildren:Shane (Amanda) Powell, Cami Powell, Megan Parish and Nicholas Parish, all of Aurora;One sister Lavonne (Phil) Mahan, many cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends across the countryside. PRECEDED:He now joins his parents, one grandson, Erin Martinek , a nephew Jeremy Mahan, one brother Larry Bunce, his in-laws, Milford and Helen Price and his grandparents, Forest and Blanch Harrett andArthur and Gretta Bunce who preceded him in death. VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. A funeral to celebrate his life will also be held at the funeral home, Wednesday, November 18th at 2:00 PM, Rev. Jason Turner, pastor of the Kaneville United Methodist Church, Kaneville, will officiate and interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery. MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in his name to benefit his favorite charities. Checks may be made to the "Garry Bunce Memorial" and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, ILA funeral to celebrate his life will also be held at the funeral home, Wednesday, November 18th will be held at 2:00 pm, Rev. Jason Turner, pastor of the Kaneville United Methodist Church, Kaneville, will officiate.

Interment will follow at Kaneville Cemetery.