Burton George Bundy

Pastor Burton Bundy slipped into eternity on Sunday, December 25, 2011. Burton George Bundy was born December 26, 1925 in Esmond, ND, to Anton and Josina (Waterud) Bundy. The family lived on a farm near Esmond, ND. Later part of the family moved west. In 1943, Burton graduated from Beaverton High School in Beaverton, OR. He was drafted into WWII with the Army and served in Okinawa, Japan where he was severely wounded. He received the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other various medals for his service. After nearly a year of hospitalization from his wounds, he returned to the farm in North Dakota where he married his first wife Helen (Simonson) Bundy and had three children Michael Bundy, Daniel Bundy, Susan (Bundy) Jenks. Helen passed away from complications with Multiple Sclerosis. Burton later remarried to his current wife Bonnie (Delaney) Bundy on November 28, 1954. From that union three more children were born Jane (Bundy) Backstrom, Patricia (Bundy) Roeder, and Barry Bundy. During this time Burton managed the Gambles store in Devils Lake, New Rockford and Williston, ND. Later, he purchased Servisoft Water business in Williston. Burton’s heart was always in serving his Savior and throughout these moves he was a lay pastor for many churches. That became his main focus. In Williston, Burton and Bonnie became a part of the Lutheran Brethren (LB) Church. Along with David Langager and others, they established the Lutheran Brethren Fellowship Church in Williston ND, and the LB Church in Crosby ND. In Sidney, MT, he served full time as their first pastor, while working on his pastoral degree from the Lutheran Brethren Seminary. A few years later, he moved on to start an LB church in Bismarck ND, and from there to Fargo. In 1985, he took on the role of Executive Director of the Church Lutheran Brethren of America Home Mission Department, along with Harland Helland and others. He worked to start new LB churches throughout the United States. Leaving the Home Missions Director position in 1989, he moved to Fort Collins, CO to work with a home mission church. Later, he moved to Grand Forks ND and served as Associate Pastor. In their later years, Burton and Bonnie thought they would finish their work in their home church in Williston ND where he would serve as Visitation Pastor. Even in his 80’s God was not through with Burton. He had a vision for a church in Watford City and with his son, Dan at his side, they started putting together a number of people in that town to organize a group of people to start an LB church. While poor health slowed Burton down, the church planting continued and there now is an LB church in Watford City, called Living Faith where he and Bonnie are members. Burton’s main interest was serving the Lord, but he also enjoyed people by visiting and getting to know them. He was a servant leader. Even in his last days, he demonstrated his love for others with kindness to those who cared for him. A little known fact is that he had a love for horses and enjoyed going back to the farm near Esmond, ND. He also enjoyed music, playing his ukulele and singing in various musical groups. On December 25 at 7:45 pm, Burton passed away at Luther Memorial Home and went home to be with his Savior. As he told his daughters in the last days, “I want to see Jesus”. Burton is survived by: his wife, Bonnie of Mayville, ND, his children Dan (Linda) Bundy of Watford City, ND, Sue (Jim) Jenks of Williston, ND, Jane (Joel) Backstrom of Phoenix, AZ, Patty (Bob) Roeder of Thompson, ND, Barry (Wanda) Bundy of Arvada, CO, 12 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Burton was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Helen, eldest son Michael, brothers Alfred, Benard and Sam. Visitation: 5-7 PM Wednesday, December 28, 2011 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Baker Funeral Home Chapel, Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service, at the church. Funeral Service: 1:00 PM Thursday, December 29, 2011 at Bethel Lutheran Church, 1616 17th St S, Grand Forks, ND. Interment: Will be 1:00 PM Friday, December 30, 2011 at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan, ND.