Gary L. Bunting

Gary L. Bunting, 74, of Havelock, IA, died Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Iowa Lutheran Hospital in Des Moines, IA, following a long battle with cancer. Per his wishes no services are scheduled. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Gary was born October 3, 1945, in Nemaha, IA, the son of Clyde and Irene (Dozark) Bunting. In 1964, he graduated from Lake View-Auburn High School in Lake View, IA. He was united in marriage to Teresa Blaha on November 6, 1971, in Sac City, IA. Over the years, he worked for HyGrade in Storm Lake, IA, owned/operated Bunting's Grocery in Havelock, Hakes Foods in Laurens, IA and Positech Corporation in Laurens (26 years) until his retirement in 2013. Gary enjoyed spending time with his family. He was their “Mr. Fix It”. Living in the same town as his in-laws, he became very close to them. After his father-in-law, Jerry Blaha died, he enjoyed helping out with Dorothy Blaha, who he always referred to as Mom. He also enjoyed gardening, watching NASCAR, fishing, trying new restaurants, sports – especially football, and old cars. Drag racing, playing high school football, and his talent of art were important to him in his younger years. He could often be found tinkering in his work shop AKA “the tool crib.” Gary especially had a great passion for music which he passed down to all four of his children. His latest love was for his dog, Roxy, who could never do anything wrong in his eyes. Gary was a member of the Havelock City Council and former volunteer firefighter. He was a big community supporter.

Gary is survived by his wife of 48 years: Teresa Bunting of Havelock; 4 children: Nick Bunting and wife Kelley of Burr Oak, KS, Brenda Anderson and husband Mike of Glendale, AZ, Brandi Bunting of Marathon, IA and Bridget Mauck and husband John of Council Bluffs, IA; 4 grandchildren: Raegan Bunting, Autumn Anderson, Trey Anderson and Jaedyn Mauck; 1 honorary grandchild, Dawn Hiatt; 4 brothers: Merle Bunting, Dwight Bunting and wife Rockie, Keith Bunting and wife Jean and Dale Bunting and wife Lois; 1 brother-in-law: Jerry Blaha and wife Vicki; 3 sisters-in-law: Denise Rippentrop and husband Alan, Mary Martinez and husband Sam and Cheryl Blaha. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandson: Raef Bunting; sister: Marcella Dick and husband Bernard; brother: Jack Koenck and wife Nina; sister-in-law: Helen Bunting; and 2 brothers-in-law: Rod Blaha and Melvin Blaha.