Stella Bunkers Archives - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Stella Bunkers

May 9, 2021 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Stella M. Bunkers, 91, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Dells Area Hospital. Stella’s wishes were to donate her body to the USD School of Medicine. A family graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to your favorite charity or to St. Mary School in memory of Stella.

Stella was born on July 5, 1929 at Trent, SD, the daughter of William and Mary (Majeres) Burkard. She grew up on the family farm southeast of Dell Rapids. She attended St. Mary School graduating in 1946. After high school she enrolled in McKennan’s School of Nursing, graduating in 1950. She married Yvo Bunkers on January 14, 1952 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. The couple made their home in southern Maryland while Yvo was enlisted in the US Navy. After his discharge, the couple moved back to Dell Rapids where Stella started working as a nurse for the Dell Rapids Hospital. Stella retired in 1988. In retirement, Yvo and Stella enjoyed their winters in Brownsville, TX and their summers in Dell Rapids. Yvo passed away in 2017.

Stella was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and Altar Society. She enjoyed family and golfing.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her two brothers, Edwin and Alfred.

She is survived by her sons, Paul (Patty) Bunkers of Houston, TX and their children, Will (Alexandria), Meredith (Philip) and their child (Dacree), and Mattie; Tom (Vicki) Bunkers of Colton and their children Skye, her children, (Cash and Katya) and Elise; Dave (Susi) Bunkers of Phoenix, AZ; Greg (Susan) Bunkers of St. Louis, MO and their children, Johni and Luke; her daughter, Laura (Rick) Anderson of Dell Rapids; her brother-in-law, Terry (Emily) Bunkers of Buckeye, AZ and her many friends and extended family.

Yvo Bunkers

July 30, 2017 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Yvo A. Bunkers, 88, of Dell Rapids passed away on Thursday, July 27, 2017 surrounded by his family. His Memorial Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Dell Rapids. Visitation with the family present will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at Kahler Funeral Home. The Christian Wake Service will begin at 4:00 p.m. On-line condolences may be left at the Kahler Funeral Home website

Yvo Arthur Bunkers was born on December 11, 1928 at Dell Rapids, SD, the son of Emil and Leona (Full) Bunkers. He grew up on the family farm near Dell Rapids and attended St. Mary School. He graduated from St. Mary High School in 1947. After graduation he worked on the family farm until enlisting in the US Navy in 1951. Yvo married the love of his life, Stella Burkard, on January 14, 1952 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. He received an honorable discharge from the Navy in November of 1954 and returned with Stella to take over the family farm. After five years of farming he worked for Schwebach Plumbing and Heating. In 1965 he went to work for L.G. Everist. He was the superintendent of the Brookings Quarry until his retirement in 1990. In retirement Yvo and Stella enjoyed spending their winters in Texas and their summers in Dell Rapids.

Yvo was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He enjoyed his family, golfing, fishing, hunting, refurbishing furniture and woodworking.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers, Harold, Melvin (Geneva) and Otto; his sister, Lois (George) Schwebach and his brothers-in-law, Ed (Helen) Burkard and Alfred (Arlene) Burkard.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Stella of Dell Rapids; his sons, Paul (Patty) Bunkers of Houston, TX and their children, Will, Meredith (Phillip) and Mattie; Tom (Vicki) Bunkers of Colton and their children Skye, her children (Cash and Katya) and Elise; Dave (Susi) Bunkers of Billings, MT; Greg (Susan) Bunkers of St. Louis, MO and their children, Johni and Luke; his daughter, Laura (Rick) Anderson of Dell Rapids; his brothers, Vincent (Phyllis) Bunkers of Brookings and Terry (Emily) Bunkers of Buckeye, AZ and his many friends and extended family.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary Schools, or the charity of your choice.