Luceen Bunjes

Luceen Allen Bunjes went peacefully to Jesus at his Cheyenne Valley farm home Monday, February 22, 2016. Luceen was born to Otto John Bunjes and Nora Jean (Dankenbring) Bunjes at their farmstead southeast of St. Francis, KS on March 4, 1935. He was 11 days away from turning 81. Luceen was baptized in 1935, and later confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St John Lutheran Church.

Luceen started his education in country school. He loved to share stories of his country grade school days. He attended Bird City Rural High school, graduating in 1952 at the age of 17. During his high school years, he enjoyed playing football as a Bird City Cardinal. He was fondly known by his teammates as “Cubby” because of the way he rolled like a bear cub when he was tackled. Luceen earned designation by Future Farmers of America as a Kansas State Farmer in 1952, an achievement which he was very proud of.

Luceen aspired to become a Lutheran pastor, however he was a dedicated son and chose to continue farming with his father, in their farming and cattle operation, Otto Bunjes and Son Registered Polled Herefords. Luceen made time to play baseball with the Goodland Tigers Baseball Team during those years.

On June 7, 1959 Luceen was united in marriage to Kathryn Louise Neville at St John Lutheran Church in Bird City. To this union five children were born. Luceen’s passion was his Cheyenne Valley Farm which he and his loving wife, Kathryn, farmed together for over 56 years. During their early years Luceen served on the Church Council at St John Lutheran Church. Luceen and Kathryn had many achievements during their years farming and ranching together, and it was truly a partnership. In 1970 their operation, Bunjes Registered Polled Herefords, was on the Kansas Polled Hereford tour. Luceen, Kathryn and the whole family enjoyed preparing, together, for that great honor. Luceen, staying on the cutting edge of the breeding cattle market, decided to raise and sell Registered Polled Simmental breeding cattle. Luceen, with the help of his wife and family, was an exhibitor at the National Western Stock Show in Denver for over 33 years. Responding to the market, Luceen and Kathryn made the marketing decision to raise Registered Polled Angus breeding cattle and changed the name of their operation to Cheyenne Valley Angus. Luceen served on the Board of Directors of the National Western Stock Show for many years and was voted upon to receive the Lifetime Membership Award.

Luceen truly had a gift for selling quality breeding stock. After he would finish a long day in the field, he would end up on the phone for hours, talking to other cattlemen, making the necessary connections to pave the way for a bull sale. In those days a potential bull buyer would come onto the ranch, Kathryn would bring out refreshments, Luceen would sell the breeding stock, and the customer would drive away with a quality breeding bull. Luceen honored his agreements with his customers. They were truly “In Good Hands,” which was his motto. Since 1970, Luceen suffered ill health. The day came in 1998 that he had to sell his cattle due to his failing health, it one of the hardest days of his life. Luceen had to endure many health problems, of which God has finally freed him from.

Luceen was a farmer and a good provider for his family. He loved, and was a good steward of the land, his crops and his animals. He had a keen sense of humor before he became so ill and loved to tell stories about his adventures as a young boy. Luceen taught his children the value of hard work and planning. He will be missed and we will cherish the good times and memories of him.

Luceen was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Melvin Dean; sister, Bernadine Fay Bunjes Finley and Uncle Henry Bunjes. He is now reunited with them. Luceen’s loving wife Kathryn, passed into glory exactly 8 months, to the date, day of the week and hour, before Luceen.

Survivors include his sons, Doug and Dale Bunjes, of the home; daughters, Malinda Bunjes Wilson, of Manhattan, KS, Melissa (Michael) Dart, of McDonald, KS, and Lori Bunjes, of Olathe, KS; grandchildren, Garret (Lauren), Stuart, Madeline and Grace Wilson, of Manhattan, KS, Jessica Turner, of Colorado Springs, Alex Dart, of McDonald, KS, Ashleigh (Ryan Mosier) Bunjes, of Evansville, IN, Alyssa (Zach) Baker, of Denver, CO and Brandon (Karrah) Bunjes, of Castle Rock CO. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Adelaide Wilson, Bryson and baby, Baker. Luceen is also survived by Sister-in-law Doris Raile of Goodland and Dennis and Verona Hofts and family of Arvada, CO as well as a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

The Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bird City with Pastor Jim Gleason officiating. Burial will follow in the Cheyenne Valley Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online Condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com