Floyd L Bunderson was born August 26, 1940, to Lester Floyd Bunderson and Ora Rich Bunderson. He was the oldest son and second of four children born to Les and Ora. Floyd grew up splitting his childhood between his family home in Montpelier, Idaho, and his grandparents’ home in St. Charles. He loved spending time at Grandpa and Grandma Bunderson’s, where he was treated like a little brother by his aunts and uncles. There was always fun to be had, fishing in the creek, hunting and camping up the canyon, and helping on the farm.
Floyd met his eternal companion, Joan Ream, for the first time when they both stopped after a Saturday stake activity for a snack at a local Montpelier diner. They had their first date soon after. They had both recently turned 14. When Floyd and Joan kissed for the first time, it was on Joan’s parents’ front steps. Following this profound moment, Floyd looked into Joan’s eyes and asked, “Did you hear bells?” Joan smiled and pointed up at her mother’s wind chimes. They always loved to tell this story. Floyd always looked at Joan as though he still heard bells. They dated off and on through high school.
Floyd spent his sophomore year of high school in Mesa, Arizona, and then returned to Montpelier for the remainder of his high school career, graduating in 1958. He attended Utah State University before being called to and serving in the Western States LDS Mission. While serving in the mission home in Denver, Colorado, Floyd went to a Sunday night fireside, where he ran into his old girlfriend, Joan, who was there on a date. He promised to visit her at her parents’ home in Dingle when he got home, if she was back in Idaho. Upon arriving home from his mission, Floyd made two stops- first, the Stake President’s house to be released, then, straight to Joan’s parents’. The rest is history. Joan’s sister remarked that it was a storybook love. Joan and Floyd were married on August 30, 1963, in the Logan Temple.
Floyd and Joan are the parents of seven children- Jeff (Hiroko) Bunderson, Cami (Troy) Ochsenbein, Leslie (Brian) Stewart, Bryce (Holli) Bunderson, Trent (Desiree) Bunderson, Ted (Renee) Bunderson, and Dale (Jessica) Bunderson.
Floyd taught Jr high and high school math and sciences in Bear Lake from 1967-1999. While he loved teaching, he often said he was glad to retire before he was 65, because people who waited until they were 65 died soon after retiring. He was also grateful to not have to live by a bell after retirement. Following retiring from teaching, Floyd spent the next 20 years running the JR Ream Ranch with Joan. This was Joan’s family farm and ranch. Floyd definitely outlived the early demise he thought came from retiring too late, but it seems he never actually retired. Together on the ranch, Floyd and Joan had a good life. They were often together on their “Red Ponies” (Honda ATVs) in the Dingle hills, moving cattle, feeding cowboy crews over the years as they drove cattle to forest grazing, or working the hay operation. Floyd didn’t expect to take on a new trade in retirement, but did take on the task without complaint, and proudly passed down his labour and legacy to multiple generations of his descendants. Together, Floyd and Joan also owned and operated Fabrics, etc. in Montpelier for 16 years.
Floyd and Joan did find time to get away at least once a year to see the world- usually by cruise ship, but occasionally in a car to visit family, or just a new adventure or an old haunt from their young married days. One memorable trip was a visit to China as official guests of the State.
In later life, Floyd was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. This slowly robbed him of his autonomy, his strength, and his voice (which used to be heard by many as he sang in church, or for other occasions, with his singing partner, Roger Sparks, and later, Justin Skinner). Through this time of loss, Floyd maintained his dignity. He set a remarkable example of humility, gratitude, and service while losing so much. He ran tractors and helped farm until two summers ago. During that last summer, he would divide his time between duty and love. As his disease progressed, Floyd was never without a “thank you” for every service given him. Regardless of how simple or how seemingly humiliating the service, Dad always said, “Thank you”. Floyd was a man of service and generosity, but also exemplified his Swedish “reserved” lineage. He rarely said, “I love you”, but always showed it.
Floyd fought hard the last while but passed gently from this earth on June 4, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Ora, his sister, Carolyn, brothers, Paul and Lynn, and his wife, Joan. He is survived by his children, 26 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
A reunion joyous beyond description began immediately upon his arrival on the other side.
“See you in a bit, Dad.”
Funeral services will be held in the Dingle Ward LDS Church on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 11:00 am. There will be a viewing before the funeral from 9:00-10:45 am, and a viewing the night before, Friday, June 14, from 6:00-8:00
Interment will be at the Dingle Cemetery