Dennis ‘Denny’ Clarence Bunte

11/8/1952 – 11/15/2023

Dennis “Denny” Clarence Bunte was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, just days after his 71st birthday. Born November 8, 1952, in Chicago Heights, he was the youngest child of Clarence and Ruth (nee Wilkening) Bunte. Dennis was a lifelong resident of Beecher and lived his entire life on the Bunte family farm. He was baptized in 1952 and then confirmed in 1966 at St. Luke United Church of Christ in Beecher. Dennis graduated from Beecher Elementary School in 1966 and Beecher High School in 1970.

In his youth, Dennis could often be found playing basketball at Beecher High School or softball at Firemen’s Park, where he met the love of his life, Kay Lynn Wehling. On February 2, 1974, he married Kay at Zion Lutheran Church in Beecher. Their union was blessed with two children, Mandy Kay Bunte and Marty Alan Bunte.

Dennis took pride in being a third-generation farmer, cultivating the family farm, side-by-side with his father, Clarence. He was also a Washington Township employee for 15 years, following graduation from high school. Dennis later went to work at Wehling Well Works and ultimately retired from Layne Western after more than 25 years as a mechanic.

During that same time, Dennis founded Bunte Paint and Repair and worked joyfully alongside his son, Marty, for many years. Following his retirement in 2013, Dennis found new ways to pass the time, including spending countless hours with his cherished grandchildren, amassing and watching an impressive movie collection, and acquiring, selling, and trading coins and collectible toys. Dennis was happiest when playing or working alongside his family and friends, whether sharing his love for farming, his extensive automotive knowledge, his passion for sports – especially basketball, softball, or sand volleyball, or his enthusiasm for buying and selling collectibles. This was most evident in recent years, as he shared his love for farming and a good bargain with his grandchildren, who never missed out on an opportunity to combine with him or host a garage sale in the shed. All who knew him best will miss him dearly and are sad to see him go, but know he is happy to be reunited in eternal peace with his son, Marty.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Kay; his devoted daughter, Mandy and son-in-law, John Gunning; three beloved grandchildren, Mardi Kailyn (15), Nora Claire (13), and Mollie Elizabeth (11) Gunning; sisters, Patricia Burdick and Diane (Dave) Iten; mother-in-law, Beverly Wehling; siblings-in-law, David and Julia (nee Wehling) Mack, Richard W. and Sharon (nee Berg) Wehling, and Robert and Julie (nee Lohman) Wehling; and a multitude of nieces and nephews. He leaves behind countless others who cherished his loyal friendship. Dennis was preceded in death by his son, Marty; his parents, Clarence and Ruth; father-in-law, Richard H. Wehling; brother-in-law, Rodney Burdick; and four nieces and nephews.

A visitation and Christian Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 18, at Peace Lutheran Church, Beecher. As Dennis’ body was donated to the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois, there was no internment. Honorary pall bearers included Nick Martakis, Dave Meyer, Les Peters, Max Schmidt, and Randy Schmidt.

Arrangements were under the direction of Hack-Jensen Funeral Home, Beecher.