- Date Of Birth: March 17, 1936
- Date Of Death: December 25, 2018
- State: Illinois
Joseph P. Bunzell, 82, of LaSalle, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Bunzell was born March 17, 1936 in Oglesby to Anton and Clara (Harczynski) Bunzell.
He married Alyce Kotecki on June 16, 1956 in Granville. She passed away August 5, 2018. He served as General Manager for Schwindaman Motors for more than 40 years.
He was a member of St. Hyacinth’s Church, LaSalle and was a former of Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, LaSalle. Pop; always seen with a toothpick in his mouth, hair “just-so”, a Sudoku book in his lap and a heart full of love. To all, Joe was a kind, honest, hardworking man devoted to his faith and family. To his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was a caring father figure who loved to tell stories and enjoyed lending many wise words. To his wonderful wife, Alyce—to whom he was married for 62 years, 6 months and 9 days—he served as a faithful, lifelong partner, friend and in his own declining health, a caregiver. Even in his advancing years, he was a stickler for precise details and schedules.
Joe was also blessed with a sharp mind and impeccable memory—able to recall every car he has sold and more importantly, every person to whom he has sold one. This exemplifies his lifelong passion of cars, from talking about them to working on his own as well as on his family member’s. Pop’s expertise was not only limited to his work with vehicles, however.
Joe was always the first one to arrive on the scene of any project—to both consult and to contribute. He oftentimes aided family members with miscellaneous projects and was an active member within his church. His generosity was never one to falter. Pop’s quick witted, chipper and loving nature influenced the lives of everyone he met and will be held in the hearts of his loved ones indefinitely.
He is survived by his children, Mary Bunzell of Grand Rapids, MI, Robert (Becky) Bunzell of Utica, Ann Thomas of Grand Rapids, MI and Anton (Wanda) Bunzell of Utica; seven grandchildren, Nicholas Bunzell, Clayton (Catie) Bunzell, Torie (Andrew) Kueker, Ryley (Dani) Bunzell, Ashe Giovanni, Paige Bunzell and Autumn Bunzell; three great-grandchildren, Joseph and Byrnadette Bunzell and Reid Kueker and two sisters, Mary Helen Wallin of Peru and Sally (Don) Tostovarsnik of Jonesville. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Alyce; one grandson, Andy Marini; two sisters, Betty Doty and Patricia Cannon; his brother, Frank Bunzell and two brothers in infancy. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Ryley Bunzell, Clayton Bunzell, Nicholas Bunzell, Torie Bunzell-Kueker, Ashe Giovanni, Paige Bunzell and Autumn Bunzell.
