WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Richard Eldon “Dick” Bunce, age 87, of Colon, was called home to his Lord and Savior Thursday morning, April 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 3, 1938 in Coldwater, son of the late Eldon Walter and Marian Elda (Cole) Bunce.
Dick resided in Colon for the past 20 years, coming from Sturgis. He had also lived in Howell and Jones. He was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the Class of 1956. He furthered his education at Emmaus Bible College in Oak Park, Illinois, and later transferred to Central Michigan University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology.
On June 11, 1960, he married Juanita Zollman at the Sturgis Bible Chapel in Sturgis. She preceded him in death on March 24, 2005. He later married Marilyn Pell on September 29, 2005 in Centreville, and she survives.
Dick dedicated his life to guiding and mentoring young people. He retired in 2006 from the St. Joseph County Family Court, Juvenile Division, following over 15 years of devoted service as a juvenile probation officer. Prior to that, he served as director of Wildwood Ranch in Howell from 1980–1988 and Bair Lake Bible Camp in Jones from 1970–1980, where his deep appreciation for the outdoors and God’s creation enriched the lives of countless young people.
Dick had a true love for nature and found peace and joy in the outdoors. He especially enjoyed bass fishing and participated in area tournaments. He also took great pride in woodworking, building birdhouses, and fly tying. Bluebirds held a special place in his heart, and he delighted in watching and caring for them. While he had many hobbies, what he treasured most was time spent surrounded by his family, who meant everything to him.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marilyn; daughters, Colette (Chris) Swathwood of Waterloo, Indiana, and Carina Cosby of Elkhart; sons, Nathan (Cyndee) Bunce of Brownsburg, Indiana, Scott Bunce of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, Michael Bunce of Southfield, and David (Kathryn) Bunce of Sterling Heights; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Kay Bunce of Venice, Florida; and nephew, Ryan Bunce of Columbus, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Juanita; and his brother, Charles Bunce.
The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 12:00 and 1:00 to 2:45 Saturday, April 18, at Rosenberg Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 807 E. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, where funeral services celebrating Dick’s life will immediately follow the visitation at 3:00. Close family friend Pastor Bob Tissot will officiate. A graveside committal will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Bair Lake Bible Camp, 12500 Prang St., Jones, MI 49061.
The family encourages relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com
