David L. and Rosalie Smithon November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Bunger was our dentist for over ten years and we shall miss him greatly. Please let us know if another dentist will take his place.
Bea Jankauskas Fodoron November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
My arms are stretching and reaching to hug you, Coletta, Charlie, Randy and Anna. May the tough task of saying “Good-bye” be sprinkled with sweet memories of Gary. Prayers for strength are being offered up for YOU as you tackle life’s multi-layered issues in regard to Charlie. Love, as always, Bea Pass the kleenex, please.
Sue and Bob Mitchellon November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
We were so sorry to hear of Gary’s death. While no mere words can soothe the pain of loss, we do know that the next time we see Gary, it will be for eternity. In this life we can be thankful for one thing, that those we love can only be taken from us once. We prefer to think those we love who have passed on have simply gone on ahead and are waiting for us. But death is so hard for us mere mortals. We were once neighbors … good neighbors and express our profound sympathy to all who loved him.
We are shocked and so very sad to hear of Dr. Bunger’s death. He was our dentist and we loved him dearly and depended on him for his knowledge and expertise. We are praying for your strength through this tragic time and in the days to come.
Gary was a great friend and I will miss his wry smile, his quick wit, and carefully thought out comments on life. Our profession has also lost a master dentist. Coletta you are in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. So unfair.
A cousin, once removed,as it goes.(Charlie, is my cousin). Have not had much contact, thru the last so many years. There were fun times, as kids, at the Bunger household.
I went to Dr. Bunger only a few times. He was a very good dentist And very nice I was so glad to have a good dentist. He will be missed. I’ll keep him and the Family in my thoughts and Prayers. So sorry for the loss.
Stan and Jean Margulon November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Coletta:
Stan and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We hope that your wonderful memories or your life together will bring you great comfort in the future.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Dr. Bunger will be greatly missed by many people, including my children, Jacob & Melanie. He has been their only dentist and they always loved to see him at their appointments. He was always gentle and caring, making them feel at ease with whatever was happening. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Beth Eilers
To Coletta and Gary’s family my deepest sympathy. Gary and I worked on a committee together recently and it was an opportunity to get to know him. He loved his wife, his father, and life in general. I’m proud to have had the chance to have known him. I am truly shocked by the sad news of his passing. I will keep him in my prayers as well as all of you. Peace be with you. Denise
Dr. Dennis J. McDowellon November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
I just began a friendship with Gary within the last year, as a fellow first year ISDS Trustee. Within that very short time, I realized what a true genuine caring person Gary was. I was looking forward to a long time friendship. There are very few people that you meet in your lifetime that you immediately want to nurture a lasting relationship – Gary was one of those people. Gary, I’ll miss you!
Coletta:
I am so, so terrible sorry to hear of Gary’s death. He was such a pleasure to be around, and I always enjoyed his company. My last remembrance was the delightful conversation we had at the Mission of Mercy in Bloomington a few weeks ago when we talked of his love of sailing…something I didn’t know…and how you both were looking forward to a Chicago trip to visit with sailing friends. My heart goes out to you and Gary’s family at this sad time, and I hope you find consolation is knowing that others in dentistry cherished the time we spent with him.
I am shocked and so sorry to hear about Gary’s death. I would have seen him next week at the Access to Care Committee meeting in Springfield. He had a passion for helping those who had dental needs, receive the care necessary. He will be missed very much.
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Though, he came to be my Dentist quite by accident, He was the greatest thru the years. He was the nicest man and he will be missed. Very much not only as my Dentist but to all who ever knew or met him
Dr. Joseph Hagenbruchon November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Please know that we will keep Gary and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless your family in a special way with the necessary graces to sustain you and help you endure this most difficult and unexpected tragedy. Gary will be sorely missed by all who know and appreciate his remarkable selfless service and his genuine friendship.
Dr. D. Milton Salzeron November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
Gary will be terribly missed on the ISDS Board. He was a valuble contributor to the work the board does, and it won’t be the same without him.
Milt Salzer
ISDS Editor
Dear Coletta I am truly so sorry for your loss. I worked with Gary a short while at Lu’s and with him when I went to the clinic at Give Kids A Smile. He was fun never a know it all (like some people with a lot of knowledge can be) and always kind. He was always interesting to talk to and his smile could light up a room. Truly sorry. Sincerely Penny
Dr. Susan K. Zelazo-Smithon November 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm
To the family of Dr. Bunger,
As one of the many dental colleagues of Gary, I am deeply saddened by this loss. He has been a great supporter of Dentistry, a great role model, and a friend. We greatly appreciate all that he has done both for Dentistry and for Dent-Il PAC. We will remember his smile and positive attitude. Please accept our condolences. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Coletta,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, Gary. I will see you this evening, be there with you tomorrow and in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely, Linda
I had been a patient of Dr. Bunger’s for quite a while and considered him to be one of the most professional, personable and compassionate physicians I knew. While many people do not look forward to their appointments, I did because Dr. Bunger and his staff always took such good care of me. It was obvious from the positive disposition that he displayed that he enjoyed and lived his life to the fullest. He is truly missed – My sincerest condolences to all of you – from Pam Keller.
Gary has become an awesome friend of mine. I have become interested in HAM radio, and Gary was starting to mentor me in that area. He was a gentle, kind giant, and I will truly miss him until I see him again in Heaven. My true condolences to his family. George Zehak
I am so sorry for your great loss. Gary always lived full and large in high school and no doubt during his remaining wonderful years! He will be missed by all who knew him. I have many fond memories of Gary, and also his wonderful dad!
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
We did not get the announcement in our Collinsville paper until July 11th and we were on vacation. Then I couldn’t believe it could possibly be the same person.
I was a patient of Dr. Bunger’s while he was working in the Collinsville area. I thought he was a wonderful caring dentist. My husband hated to go to the dentist but he was always smiling and laughing when he went to visit him. I even had my Mother, and my Mother-in-Law visiting him before he left the area. I debated several times going to Quincy for future dental visits but it was just too far to travel in my time constraints.
I never dreamed he did so many things and touched so many lives.
He was a wonderful caring person and I am deeply sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Bunger was our dentist for over ten years and we shall miss him greatly. Please let us know if another dentist will take his place.
My arms are stretching and reaching to hug you, Coletta, Charlie, Randy and Anna. May the tough task of saying “Good-bye” be sprinkled with sweet memories of Gary. Prayers for strength are being offered up for YOU as you tackle life’s multi-layered issues in regard to Charlie. Love, as always, Bea Pass the kleenex, please.
We were so sorry to hear of Gary’s death. While no mere words can soothe the pain of loss, we do know that the next time we see Gary, it will be for eternity. In this life we can be thankful for one thing, that those we love can only be taken from us once. We prefer to think those we love who have passed on have simply gone on ahead and are waiting for us. But death is so hard for us mere mortals. We were once neighbors … good neighbors and express our profound sympathy to all who loved him.
We are shocked and so very sad to hear of Dr. Bunger’s death. He was our dentist and we loved him dearly and depended on him for his knowledge and expertise. We are praying for your strength through this tragic time and in the days to come.
Barbara Ancelet and Stephen Black
Gary was a great friend and I will miss his wry smile, his quick wit, and carefully thought out comments on life. Our profession has also lost a master dentist. Coletta you are in our prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. So unfair.
A cousin, once removed,as it goes.(Charlie, is my cousin). Have not had much contact, thru the last so many years. There were fun times, as kids, at the Bunger household.
May your memories, somehow ease the pain.
Heartfelt sympathy and prayers.
Jill
I went to Dr. Bunger only a few times. He was a very good dentist And very nice I was so glad to have a good dentist. He will be missed. I’ll keep him and the Family in my thoughts and Prayers. So sorry for the loss.
Coletta:
Stan and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. We hope that your wonderful memories or your life together will bring you great comfort in the future.
Fondly,
Jean and Stan Margul
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
I am truly sorry for your loss. Dr. Bunger will be greatly missed by many people, including my children, Jacob & Melanie. He has been their only dentist and they always loved to see him at their appointments. He was always gentle and caring, making them feel at ease with whatever was happening. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Beth Eilers
To Coletta and Gary’s family my deepest sympathy. Gary and I worked on a committee together recently and it was an opportunity to get to know him. He loved his wife, his father, and life in general. I’m proud to have had the chance to have known him. I am truly shocked by the sad news of his passing. I will keep him in my prayers as well as all of you. Peace be with you. Denise
I just began a friendship with Gary within the last year, as a fellow first year ISDS Trustee. Within that very short time, I realized what a true genuine caring person Gary was. I was looking forward to a long time friendship. There are very few people that you meet in your lifetime that you immediately want to nurture a lasting relationship – Gary was one of those people. Gary, I’ll miss you!
Coletta:
I am so, so terrible sorry to hear of Gary’s death. He was such a pleasure to be around, and I always enjoyed his company. My last remembrance was the delightful conversation we had at the Mission of Mercy in Bloomington a few weeks ago when we talked of his love of sailing…something I didn’t know…and how you both were looking forward to a Chicago trip to visit with sailing friends. My heart goes out to you and Gary’s family at this sad time, and I hope you find consolation is knowing that others in dentistry cherished the time we spent with him.
I am shocked and so sorry to hear about Gary’s death. I would have seen him next week at the Access to Care Committee meeting in Springfield. He had a passion for helping those who had dental needs, receive the care necessary. He will be missed very much.
My prayers and thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
God Bless,
Dottie Mackie
Though, he came to be my Dentist quite by accident, He was the greatest thru the years. He was the nicest man and he will be missed. Very much not only as my Dentist but to all who ever knew or met him
Please know that we will keep Gary and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless your family in a special way with the necessary graces to sustain you and help you endure this most difficult and unexpected tragedy. Gary will be sorely missed by all who know and appreciate his remarkable selfless service and his genuine friendship.
Sincerely,
The Joseph F. Hagenbruch Family
Gary will be terribly missed on the ISDS Board. He was a valuble contributor to the work the board does, and it won’t be the same without him.
Milt Salzer
ISDS Editor
He was always a great person to be around. He will be missed by all who had a chance to meet him.
Dear Coletta I am truly so sorry for your loss. I worked with Gary a short while at Lu’s and with him when I went to the clinic at Give Kids A Smile. He was fun never a know it all (like some people with a lot of knowledge can be) and always kind. He was always interesting to talk to and his smile could light up a room. Truly sorry. Sincerely Penny
To the family of Dr. Bunger,
As one of the many dental colleagues of Gary, I am deeply saddened by this loss. He has been a great supporter of Dentistry, a great role model, and a friend. We greatly appreciate all that he has done both for Dentistry and for Dent-Il PAC. We will remember his smile and positive attitude. Please accept our condolences. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Coletta,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, Gary. I will see you this evening, be there with you tomorrow and in the weeks ahead.
Sincerely, Linda
I had been a patient of Dr. Bunger’s for quite a while and considered him to be one of the most professional, personable and compassionate physicians I knew. While many people do not look forward to their appointments, I did because Dr. Bunger and his staff always took such good care of me. It was obvious from the positive disposition that he displayed that he enjoyed and lived his life to the fullest. He is truly missed – My sincerest condolences to all of you – from Pam Keller.
Gary has become an awesome friend of mine. I have become interested in HAM radio, and Gary was starting to mentor me in that area. He was a gentle, kind giant, and I will truly miss him until I see him again in Heaven. My true condolences to his family. George Zehak
I am so sorry for your great loss. Gary always lived full and large in high school and no doubt during his remaining wonderful years! He will be missed by all who knew him. I have many fond memories of Gary, and also his wonderful dad!
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Family of Dr. Gary Bunger,
We did not get the announcement in our Collinsville paper until July 11th and we were on vacation. Then I couldn’t believe it could possibly be the same person.
I was a patient of Dr. Bunger’s while he was working in the Collinsville area. I thought he was a wonderful caring dentist. My husband hated to go to the dentist but he was always smiling and laughing when he went to visit him. I even had my Mother, and my Mother-in-Law visiting him before he left the area. I debated several times going to Quincy for future dental visits but it was just too far to travel in my time constraints.
I never dreamed he did so many things and touched so many lives.
He was a wonderful caring person and I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Dina Lochmann