Jack Bunting

Jack Willis Bunting, Jr., age 70, of Grantsburg, passed away Sunday evening, June 7, 2015.     Jack was born in Minneapolis, MN, on April 7, 1945, son of the late Sylvia H. “Snip” (Bolin) and Jack Willis Bunting, Sr. He attended public schools in Minneapolis and was a 1963 graduate of South High School. On November 20, 1964, Jack was united in marriage to Darlene Kay Erickson in Minneapolis. They were married for more than 50 years and Jack loved Darlene with all his heart. She passed away on April 21st earlier this year.     In his early adult years Jack was employed at Hart Ski Corporation. His hard work was recognized, and he was promoted to foreman. He next worked as a boilers engineer at Geilco in Plymouth, MN. In 1989, Jack and Darlene moved to Burnett County as Jack purchased the Clam Lake Bait and Tackle Shop near Siren and operated the store until 1993 when he retired due to chronic health problems.     Jack had been a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Minneapolis for many years, and he was formerly a member of the Siren Lions Club. He loved fishing, especially on Gull Lake in northern Minnesota. He also loved deer hunting and spending time at the deer camp near Effie, MN. He enjoyed duck hunting, moose hunting, and watching wildlife. Most of all, Jack received the greatest pleasure and pride watching his children and then his grandkids as they competed in sports or were involved with other school and community events.     Very sociable, easily likeable, humorous, and happy-go-lucky best describe Jack’s personality. He loved to razz people and joke around, and always had a fond greeting and a handshake or wave to friends and acquaintances.     Preceding Jack in death are his parents, his wife, Darlene; a great-grandson, Oaklee Keezer; and a brother-in-law, Paul Netland.     He is survived by his three children: Jack (Shelly) Bunting, Jodi (Darryl) Bunting Keezer, and Scott (Sue) Bunting; ten grandchildren: Donald Hartman, Braedon Bunting, and Noah Bunting; Dominic Keezer, Aubrey Keezer, Tiana Keezer, and Dylan Keezer; and Spencer Bunting, Simon Bunting, and Sadye Bunting; great-grandson, Ryker Oaklee Keezer; a sister, Jill Netland, and nieces and nephews.     The memorial service for Jack Willis Bunting, Jr. will be conducted at 2:00 pm (visitation 1:00 to 2:00 pm), on Tuesday, June 16, 2015, at Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home, Grantsburg, WI. A celebration of his life will follow at the Grantsburg American Legion.