ROCHELLE — Eugene “Buck” H. Bunger, 81, passed away Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 at Van Matre Rehabilitation Hospital in Rockford.
Gene was born on Dec. 19, 1935 to Henry R. and Barbara M. (Leonard) Bunger in Rochelle. He proudly served with the United States Marines. Gene married Mary Leathers on Feb. 23, 1958 in Rochelle. He worked for Cassens Transport driving truck for 38 years before retiring.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three brothers, infant, Henry Jr., Edwin and Leonard; four sisters, infant, Norma Bunger, Betty Metzger, Loretta Davis and Barbara Kurz; and great-grandson, infant, Axl Ryan Sgro.
Gene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary; five children, Rodney (Ramona) Bunger, Roger (Terry) Bunger both of Rochelle, Karen (William) Bonner of Sheboygan Falls, Wis., Janet (Kris) Eyster of Rochelle and Sheryl (Stephen) Stonehocker of Seneca; two brothers-in-law, Orville Kurz of Rochelle, and Lorenz Metzger of Davis Junction; 19 grandchildren, Tracy (Peter) Pascua, Katie (Wade) Arthur, Alex (Veronika Erickson) Bunger, Rachel (Kyle) Aldridge, Joshua Bunger, Rebecca Bunger, Ivan Bunger, Michael Bonner, Jason Bonner, Keith Eyster, Kevin Eyster, Kelsi Eyster, Kyle Eyster, Whitney (Doug) Lyles, Anthony (Brittany) Sgro, John (Dana Duggins) Sgro, Brandon Sgro, Nathan Sgro and Rochelle Stonehocker; and eight great-grandchildren, Olivia, Zachary, Charles, Easton, Elliana, Maddox, Allison and James.
The visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. Sixth St., Rochelle. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 23 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1415 10th Ave., Rochelle, with Pastor Gregory Hoffmann officiating.  The burial will follow the service at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle with military honors provided by the Eastern Lee-Ogle Honor Guard. 
Memorials may be made in Gene’s memory to St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.