Marlene Bunker

Marlene M. Bunker, 81 and lifelong resident of Harbor Springs, died December 1, 2017 in Petoskey.

Marlene was born on December 7, 1935 in Harbor Springs, the daughter of Aubrey and Helen (Reed) Bradshaw and graduated from Harbor Springs High School.   Following high school, Marlene went to work as an Operator for Michigan Bell, working there for 12 years.

On June 6, 1964, she married Gayle Ray Bunker and the two made their home in Harbor Springs where they raised their son, Michael Bunker.  Gayle preceded Marlene in death after 41 years of marriage on February 24, 2006.

Marlene was a longtime volunteer at the Hiland Cottage in Petoskey and made lap blankets for both the VA Hospital in Gaylord and the Hiland Cottage.  She enjoyed yard work and various forms of crafts from quilting to pottery, to making lampshades and arranging flowers.  However, she was far from an average 80-year-old woman, as she was also quite adventurous.  She loved the looks she received when she drove her son's big truck, she learned to ride a motorcycle later in life, and last year drove a four-wheeler across the Mackinac Bridge.  She never missed the Semi Tractor Truck Show in St. Ignace or the Parade of Lights on the Mackinac Bridge and was always up for hopping in the car and going for a ride.

Services celebrating Marlene’s life will be held at the Schiller Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 6th at 11am with Rev. David Behling officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10am until the time of service.  Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

Those wishing to honor Marlene’s memory are asked to make a donation to the American Cancer Society.

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