Danny K. Bunderson, age 70, of Idaho Falls, ID passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025 after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his favorite team-his family.
Danny was born on August 18, 1954, to Elzo and Reva Spiers Bunderson in Logan, Utah. He joined his older siblings, Diana, Brent, and Judy, and was later joined by his younger brother, Jon. Danny grew up in the small town of St. Charles, Idaho, nestled in the beautiful Bear Lake Valley. His family owned a small ranch where he learned the value of hard work--milking and feeding cows, hauling hay, and branding cattle. As the youngest for many years, Danny loved being the center of attention, always jumping to the front of every picture and activity. Life in Bear Lake Valley was simple and carefree. He enjoyed swimming in the sparkling blue waters of Bear Lake, deer hunting in the canyons, and camping in his dad's trailer.
Danny graduated from Bear Lake High School in 1972. He loved sports and was active in church and school basketball, football, and softball. Shortly after graduation, he started dating Cindy Taylor. After one semester at Weber State, he transferred to Utah State University to be closer to Cindy. They were married and sealed in the Logan Temple on June 22, 1973. In January 1975, they welcomed their first child, Jared K.
Danny worked various jobs before finding his true calling in law enforcement. He began his career at the Cotterel Port of Entry near Burley in January 1977. In 1978, their daughter Andrea Kim joined the family. After several years at Cotterel, Danny transferred to Idaho Falls, and the family settled in Rigby, Idaho. Their son, Brian Boone, was born in August 1980. Danny graduated from the Idaho State Police Academy in 1983 and served as a trooper, fitness instructor, and accident reconstructionist. In 1984, their family was completed with the birth of their daughter, Heidi Leigh.
In 1986, Danny was selected to join the Idaho State Police Vehicle Theft Unit, where he served for four years before being promoted to District 6 Patrol Sergeant in Idaho Falls. In the spring of 1991, he was promoted to Lieutenant. In the summer of 1997, he graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Shortly after, he was promoted to Captain in Lewiston, Idaho. After five years in Lewiston, Danny and Cindy returned to Idaho Falls, where he continued to serve until his retirement on December 31, 2014, after 38 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, Danny built strong relationships with law enforcement agencies across the state, excelled in DUI and drug interdiction efforts, and made a lasting impact on the officers he mentored.
After retiring, Danny embraced a slower pace of life, cherishing time with family and friends. He loved supporting his grandchildren in all their activities and was their biggest fan. A devoted Denver Broncos fan, one of his favorite memories was taking his entire family to Denver to watch a game--a trip they will never forget. He also organized a family trip to a Colorado Rockies game, chauffeured grandkids to countless sporting events, and had many boating adventures at Bear Lake. His kids and grandkids have endless videos of him dancing, singing, laughing, and cheering them on.
Danny kept busy with part-time work at horse races and Hertz Rental Cars, where he formed many cherished friendships. He deeply appreciated the support he received from his Hertz family.
In his final two years, Danny created countless memories. He filled his days with fishing, razor rides, road trips, cheering at his grandkids' events, lunch dates with his buddies, and family gatherings. He loved life and the connections he made with everyone he met. Though he had 13 grandchildren, many more lovingly called him "Grandpa Danny." His infectious smile, sense of humor, and boundless spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Danny is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Cindy; his children Jared (Wendy) Bunderson of Idaho Falls, Andrea (Ryan) Boudrero of Rigby, Brian (Jen) Bunderson of Chubbuck, and Heidi Bunderson (Victor Gallegos) of Rigby; and 13 grandchildren: Nate, Peyton, Jordyn, Jack, Allie, Taylor, DJ, Kaden, Xander, Riggins, Cody, Kellen, and Bentlee. He is also survived by his siblings Brent (Karen) Bunderson of Pocatello, Jon (Cindy) Bunderson of Soda Springs, Diana (Brent) Hansen of McCammon, and Judy Bunderson Peel of Idaho Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elzo and Reva.
The family express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Adams, Candice Beck, and the excellent team at Teton Cancer Institute; Dr. Morris at Huntsman Cancer Institute; Dr. Fiddler and his staff at the clinical trial in Billings, Montana; and Trisha Martin with Alliance Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
Funeral services will be held Monday February 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Old Butte Ward, (1345 Clarence Drive Idaho Falls ID, 83402). The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 5-7:30 p.m. and prior to services Monday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. both at the church. Burial will be in the Saint Charles Cemetery, (298 300 South, Saint Charles Idaho 83272).