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Submitted: 4/22/22 • Approved: 5/5/22 • Last Updated: 5/8/22 • R274029-G0-S3
Erik Sean Bunger
April 21, 1982 - March 29, 2020
Erik Bunger, 37, passed away on March 29th due to long-term health complications.
Erik Sean Bunger was born on April 21, 1982 in Sioux Falls, SD, to Gaylon and Susan (Claussen) Bunger. He attended Cleveland Elementary, Whittier Jr High and graduated from Washington High School in 2000. Following high school, he entered the Army and became part of the 82nd Airborne 3rd BN 505th Panther Division. He rose to the rank of Sergeant, honorably discharged in 2004. During his time in the military he served in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars; and was a member of the 82nd ABN Honor Guard.
Upon returning from the military, Erik attended Augustana College (University) where he earned a BA in Government and International Affairs. He then attended USD law school, until his health restricted his ability to do so.
Erik worked at the Humane Society, and was quick to volunteer anywhere animals were in need. He also advocated for Disabled Veterans of America, and volunteered for Special Olympics.
A master at pottery and drawing, in 1999 Erik won an Augustana High School competition with a piece of pottery he coined “Perseus’ Satchel.” This allowed him, as a senior in high school, to take art classes at Augustana.
Erik was passionate about animals, plants, politics, and the written word. His never-ending thirst for knowledge made him a pleasure to engage in conversation, and an insightful source from which to learn. After his discharge from the Army he was chosen to attend Sen. Tom Daschle’s leadership seminar in the Black Hills. An experience he held dearly. A highlight of his life was when, in 2008, he was asked by the national Obama for President organization to introduce Barack Obama at a veteran’s breakfast.
Although Erik loved to travel, his ability to do so was compromised by his disabilities, but much to his delight, he recently traveled to California and Louisiana.
Erik cared deeply for others. He was a caring son, brother, nephew, cousin, grandson, and friend. He especially excelled at being an uncle; and truly adored his nine nephews and nieces.
Grateful for sharing his life are his parents, Gaylon and Susan, brother Adam Bunger (Louisa), Harrisburg SD; sisters Amy Larsen, Sioux Falls SD, and Rachel (Tim) Rust SD, Sioux Falls; grandmother Audrey Wintersteen, Sioux Falls, SD; grandparents Ken and Loris Bunger, Albany, MN; nephews Aaron, Noah, and Seth Bunger, and Jacob and Ryan Larsen; and nieces Ava and Sera Rust, and Cora and Sabrina Larsen. Erik is also survived by a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by two grandfathers, Edwin Claussen and Glen Wintersteen; and three uncles, Rev. Lynn J. Claussen, Jerry Claussen, and Jeff Jones
Memorials can be directed to Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and Disabled Vets of America, Sioux Falls.
Cards and letters of condolence may be sent to the Bunger family at: 222 Devitt Drive, Harrisburg, SD 57032
Services will be held at 6:00pm Thursday, October 22, 2020, at Miller Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue, with visitation to follow.
Contributed on 4/22/22 by 9katz
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Record #: 274029