Ronald K. Bunten, M.D.
January 28, 2011
Ronald K. Bunten M.D., 75, died peacefully January 28, 2011, in Maui, Hawaii, after a sudden illness.
Ron was born in Des Moines January 27, 1936, to J. Keith and Lucille Bunten. He graduated from East High School in Des Moines, then the University of Iowa, where he earned his undergraduate and M.D. degrees. He interned at Broadlawns Hospital, and in 1961, became a Naval Flight Surgeon based in Florida. Upon discharge, he returned to the U. of I. to finish his orthopaedic residency. He was a founding member of Des Moines Orthopaedic Surgeons and finished his career as an Adjunct Professor of Orthopaedics at the V.A. Hospital in Des Moines, where he enjoyed teaching the next generation of orthopaedic physicians. He loved flying, playing piano, traveling, fishing, learning about technology, laughing and being with his family.
He is preceded in death by his father, and survived by his mother, Lucille Bunten of Des Moines; his sister, Janet Bobenhouse of Chesterfield, MO; his wife, Diana Bunten of Des Moines; four children, Barbara Hoffman of Grimes, Brian K. Bunten of Des Moines, Amy Dougherty of Urbandale, and Carol Bunten of Portland, OR, and step-daughter Anne Spellman of Des Moines; nine grandchildren, Brecca, Jon, Nate, Kaylen, Margo, Eli, Martin, Paul and Benjamin; and two nephews, Doug and Brad Bobenhouse.
The visitation is from 10 to 12 p.m., Thursday, February 3, 2011, with a service to follow at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Des Moines Symphony, Iowa Public Radio, or Iowa Public Television.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Lori Longnecker
02/01/2011
My condolences to your family at this time of loss. I have to echo my sister
s sentiments regarding the 4th of July-good and warm memories of Ron.
Take care. My thoughts are with you.
Kate Payne
02/01/2011
Thoughts and prayers to the family. I worked with Dr. Bunten for many years at DMOS and we became friends. I enjoyed the times he would play the piano and we would all sing along to holiday songs. Enjoyed seeing Diane & him at events around Des Moines. He always made me laugh. Kate Payne (Urbandale, IA)
Mike and Melanee Stanbrough
02/01/2011
Barb and Tony and Amy and kids!
Know that we are thinking about you as you mourn the loss of your dad. Your loss is so big and our words are so small! It is never easy to lose our parents they are the foundation of who we are. May all your good memories bring you peace! Love you guys!
Mike and Mel
sheila spellman
02/01/2011
Diana and Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Always enjoyed visiting with him at family gatherings.
Sincerely,
Sheila Spellman
Amy Anzalone (Longnecker)
02/01/2011
I am so sorry to hear of Ron's passing. He is remembered fondly. I remember the July 4th celebrations at his house in Des Moines with the fish fry, the beer and that cannon!
May the celebration of Ron's life ease your pain.
Amy
Wayne Young
02/01/2011
So sory to learn of Ron's demise. He was always a good friend and classmate at East High. Mary Lou remembers her days with him at Junior High. I also rember our days together at Union Park Methodist Church.
Our prayers are with his family.
Wayne and Mary Lou Young
Darrell McLAin
02/01/2011
I have many fond memories of the good times growing up. We took trips together through Union Park Methodist Church and went to camp at Clear Lake, IA and to Purdue University to the National Convocation of Methodist Youth. We were a group of teenagers who went to the Avalon Theater on Friday nights and cruised the downtown after sporting events. Although we took separate paths after high school I often thought of him and knew that he was one of the smartest and nicest guys I ever knew.
My condolences to the family and I know that he will be sincerely missed.
Darrell McLain East High class of 1953
Cathy Garrett
02/01/2011
Diane and family,
I am sorry for your loss of Dr. Bunten. I enjoyed working with both Dr. Bunten and Diane in the OR at IMMC. I have many happy memories of our times together. I am thinking of you and wishing you comfort.
Cathy Garrett RN
Robert Clark Jr. MD
02/01/2011
Ron was a gentleman and a scholar. I am blessed to have worked with him.
John and Suzanne Farrington
02/01/2011
Dear Ones, We will be with you Thursday in spirit and love remembering a dear friend - and his family. You all became a part of our family sharing many times together. We treasure those times of laughter with family and friends. Oh so many to remember. John also on many fishing trips and plane flights. Our prayers and thoughts are with you now and in the days to come.
Love to all, "uncle turkey and hilly huzane" AKA
John and Suzanne
Tom Rider
01/31/2011
Ron and I were good friends in grade school and played baseball on the Little Bruins kid's team, coached in part by his Dad. He was a terrific piano player and was also known for his weird and impish sense of humor, once letting a whole jar of lightning bugs escape during a movie at the old Avalon Theater.
Ron was also one of the smartest kids in our class when we went to East Des Moines High School. I spoke with him a couple of years ago at a meeting of our graduating class, and we had a great time going over old times, laughing all the while. I consider it a privilege to have known him, and offer his family my deepest sympathy.
Thomas Rider, Ph.D. East High Class of June 1953
Melissa & John Schultz
01/31/2011
Diane, Anne, Barb, Carol, Amy and Brian,
We write you all with heartfelt condolences at this sad time. May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish. You are in our thoughts and prayers.