Lawrence J. Bunkowski

Lawrence J. (LJ/Larry) Bunkowski, affectionately called Papa by so many, died Tuesday, May 8, 2018, in his home at Shambaugh, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family.

Lawrence leaves a legacy of love, including his wife of 57 years, Shirlie K. (Kiser) Bunkowski, of the home, and four daughters, Denyse and Kyle Scott, Osceola, Iowa; Tori and Scottie Grable, De Kalb, MO; Tara and Edward Seipel, Maryville, MO; and Tish Furst, Shambaugh. He also loved dearly his 11 grandchildren and their families: Clint and Teela Waugh, Decatur, Iowa; Brad and Amy Wolf, Barnard, MO; Melanie and Scott Cowger, De Kalb; Becky and Pat Swinford, Barnard; Whitney Sybert and Taylor Crockett, De Kalb; Clay and Ashley Waugh, Lamoni, Iowa; Chris Redmond and Katrina Burden, Clearmont, MO; Brooke Wolf and Ethan Schmitz, Guilford, MO; Jessi Redmond, Shambaugh; Scott Grable Jr. and Lynden Matthews, De Kalb; and Miranda Waugh and Ethan McGill, Ames, Iowa. The lights of his life were his 15 great-grandchildren:  Mili, Beau, and Boon Waugh; Brayton Furr; Lena Cowger, Kaden Skidmore; Layla, Micah, Hadley, and Zoey Wolf; Madelyn, Mackenzie, Maggie, and Maverick Swinford; and Colt Redmond. He also counted among those he loved numerous step-children and step-grandchildren (though Lawrence never referred to any of them as a “step”).

Loving care was provided for Lawrence by Hope Winter, Amanda Keho, and Celeste Westgaard, who have become honorary family members. Additional survivors include a sister-in-law, Macil Laughlin, Guilford; a brother, Norbert Bunkowski, St. Joseph, MO; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Melzena Bunkowski and Barbara Lovell; and several brothers- and sisters-in law.

In addition to his family, Lawrence loved nearly everyone he met—and he never met a stranger. He especially enjoyed young people and loved all little children. For years he supported his daughters and then grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren in their many activities. That led to him becoming an honorary dad and grandpa to many. He particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with family, and relished the opportunity to teach young family members about nature. Family gatherings—and the food that came with them—were his favorites. He loved small town and rural life and was proud of his time as a farmer.

Lawrence was born December 10, 1939, in St. Joseph, MO, and attended parochial and public schools before graduating in 1957 from Central High School. On January 6, 1960, he married Shirlie Kiser. They spent nearly all their lives in Barnard, MO, moving to Shambaugh three years ago. As a young man, he was a member of the Missouri Air National Guard. He had worked as a bus and truck driver as well as a laborer and for 17 years for the Missouri Department of Transportation in Nodaway County. He was a member of the Barnard Christian Church and the Masonic Lodge.

Visitation will be 5:30-8 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2018, at Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, MO, with a short service at 7 p.m. Friends are invited to join the family afterward for a celebration of Lawrence’s life at the old MoDOT barn at Barnard; a light meal will be provided. The family requests no flowers but encourages donations in Lawrence’s name to the Salvation Army.