Richard "Dicky" Bunker, age 54, of Naytahwaush, MN, died Thursday, December 3, 2009 as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Laporte, MN.

Richard Wayne Bunker was born on September 18, 1955, the son on Glenn and Phyllis (Ojibway) Bunker, in White Earth, MN. He grew up in Naytahwaush and attended elementary school there followed by high school in Mahnomen, MN. As a young man, Dicky enlisted in the United States Army. He served his time in Korea working as a cook before returning home to Naytahwaush. In 1977, Dicky was united in marriage to Carol Stevens and they began their family. In addition to being self employed, he worked for a time with youth services in White Earth, MN. Dicky also served as the home school coordinator for the Mahnomen Public School System and as a cook for Circle of Life School for several years. Nearly ten years ago, Dicky began a career at the Shooting Star Casino, in Mahnomen, where he was currently the Food and Beverage Director.

Dicky loved to hunt, be outdoors, ricing, and play softball whenever he was able. He also enjoyed playing poker and spending time with all of his buddies and co-workers at the Shooting Star Casino. One of his very favorite pastimes was simply taking a drive with dear friends, Mike Turner, Vernon Weaver, and Eugene "Bugger" McArthur. Dicky cherished his family and each of his children and grandchildren. He was proud to help in the rising of the five grandkids that were living with him. His special sense of humor and knack for teasing loved ones will be remembered by all.

Dicky is survived by the love of his life, Carol Bunker of Naytahwaush; three sons: Jeremy Londo, Charles Bunker and Buddy Bunker, all of Naytahwaush; four daughters: Stephanie Bunker, Katie Bunker, Theresa Bunker and Connie Bunker, all of Naytahwaush; eight grandchildren; his mother, Phyllis Bunker of Naytahwaush; two brothers, Kelly (Millie) Bunker, and Mark, all of Naytahwaush; and four sisters: Theresa (Jim) Loud of Mahnomen, Molly Bunker of Mahnomen, Rosie Alvarado of Naytahwaush, and Marcie (Lee) Fairbanks of Naytahwaush.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Bunker; one sister, Kathy Kier; one son, Daniel; and two grandchildren, Noah and Angel.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 8, 2009 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex in Naytahwaush. Officiant was Mother Lisa Smith. Special music was provided by Tracy Bower. Pallbearers were Eugene "Bugger" McArthur, Mike Turner, Armondo Aguilar, Alan Oppegard, Richard LaFriniere, Steve "Punky" Clark, Corvin Londo and Scott Vanata. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Loud, Vernon Weaver, Lee Fairbanks, Michael John, Nancy Hodge, Terry Tibbetts, Ronald Stevens, Rock Keezer, Lois Pritsch, Clyde Estey Jr., Carol Turner, Charles Wadena, Doug Clark, Teddy Busse and Joe Olson Sr. Visitation was held at the Complex on Monday, December 7, 2009 beginning at 5:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm, and will continue until the funeral service on Tuesday morning.

Interment was at Samuel Memorial Episcopal Cemetery.