Frank E. Bunnell, 96, of Delavan, was called to his heavenly home on Dec. 28, 2025 at Holton Manor Care Facility in Elkhorn.
Frank was born July 20, 1929 in Calumet, Michigan the son of the late Erza W. and Helen M. (Trestrail) Bunnell. Raised in upper Wisconsin, he graduated from Superior Central High in 1947 and shortly thereafter moved to Illinois to find employment. Frank was drafted and honorably served his country in the US Army from 1951 until 1953. He had basic training as part of 501st regiment of the 101st Air borne division at Fort Breckinridge, Kentucky. Later he was sent to Germany as part of the peacekeeping force serving with the 16th regiment of the 1st infantry division near Hamburg. Commemorating his service, he took part in the honor flight to Washington D.C. After his military service, Frank continued to work at various jobs around Walworth County spending most of his working career as a petroleum truck driver. Many will remember Frank at the Jet Wash car wash where he worked several years after retirement.
Frank met Margaret A. Behrens, the love of his life, and they were married at the St. Andrews Church in Delavan on Nov. 21, 1959. Together, they spent the next 49 years working and raising their family in Delavan.
Frank and Margaret were avid dancers and spent many hours dancing at the Moose Lodge in Harvard, Illinois, where they were members since 1974. Dancing partners Bob and Dorothy Gallup, and Larry and Maxine Ellis also enjoyed playing cards for many years providing many hours of laughs and memories. Frank has the distinguished honor of being All State Commander for the VFW and served as a ranking member of the local VFW Post 10173 for many years. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 95 in Delavan. Accomplishments include completing the Dale Carnegie personal development training and serving as a Delavan Fire Department volunteer for many years. Special thanks to members of the Delavan Fire Department and local friends who shared fellowship during morning coffee for many years.
Frank has three children, sons David Bunnell (Wendy Kujawa) of Elkhorn, and Scott Bunnell (Mark Jordan) of Sun City West, Arizona, and daughter Lori Bunnell of Delavan; three grandchildren, Audrey (Ben) Welch, Karen Bunnell, and Kayla Bunnell; and two great grandchildren Maleena Bunnell and Aramis Welch. Frank was the oldest of eight siblings, William “Bill”, Albert “Bert”, Richard, Elizabeth “Betty’, Robert “Bob”, Dorothy (Bryan) Treible, and Fredrick “Fred”. Frank was preceded in death by wife Margaret in 2009; brothers Richard, William “Bill”, Albert “Bert”, Fredrick “Fred” and Robert “Bob”; and sister Elizabeth “Betty”. He is survived by his sister Dorothy; children David, Scott, and Lori; and all his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Special thanks to Wendy Kujawa RN, who provide love, care, and guidance though Frank’s later years. Thanks to Holton Manor Care Facility, Aurora Hospice, Lakeland Hospital and Dr. Poplar.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 at Monroe Funeral Home, 604 E. Walworth Avenue in Delavan. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of gifts the family is requesting donations to the Delavan Fire Department or the Delavan Legion Post #95.
Monroe Funeral Home in Delavan is assisting the family. Please visit us at www.delavanfuneralhome.com.