Derald "Gene" Bunnell

Funeral services for Derald "Gene" Bunnell, 77, of Chamberlain, will be held Thursday, November 11, 2004 at 2pm at the United Methodist Church in Reliance with burial in the Reliance Cemetary in Reliance.  Visitation will be Wednesday, November 10 from 1 to 8 pm at the Wevik Funeral Chapel in Chamberlain.  

Gene passed away November 7, 2004 at the Mc Kennan hospital, Sioux Falls at the age of 77 years, ten months and seventeen days. 

Derald Gene Bunnell was born December 22, 1926 at Reliance to John and Genevieve Violet (Miller) Bunnell.  Gene attended country school and graduated in 1944 from Reliance High School.  

After high school, Gene farmed in the area and on September 8, 1947 was united in marriage to Irene Harmon in Chamberlain.  He worked at the Holstein Garage and at the dairy in Chamberlain until he began doing  heavy equipment dirt work.  Gene then began his own excavating and landscaping business and in 1981 moved to Rapid City where he continued his business.  He retired and returned to Chamberlain around 2001.

Gene enjoyed being outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting anf fishing.  It was a tradition he enjoyed passing on to his children and grandchildren.  He was a very active volunteer fireman.  Gene had a special someone in his life..his dog Britteny.   Gratefully sharing his life are his sons Derald ‘George’ of Oacoma, Doug & his wife Cindy of Pukwana; daughters Linda and husband Bill Stallman, Glenda and husband Bob Braun; Della Meagher, and Valarie and husband Paul Giedde all of Chamberlain, Gayle and husband Jim Neisen of Rapid City; sister Sandy Lanoue of Rapid City; 21 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.  Preceding him in death were his parents, and two brothers, Larry and Jack Bunnell.