Ardis Bunker

Ardis “Art” G. Bunker, 82, of Fargo, ND, died Saturday, October 31, 2009 at MeritCare Hospital, Fargo. Ardis “Art” G. Bunker was born in Equality, IL, April 16, 1927, to Samuel and Helen (Duty) Bunker. His mother died when he was three years old, and he was cared for by aunts and uncles. In 1942, Art and his father moved to Rapid City, SD. In 1943, his father married to Carrie Balmos. He graduated from Rapid City High School in 1945. Art enrolled at the University of Wyoming and transferred to NDSU to play basketball at the persuasion of Coach Chuck Bentson. Art earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at NDSU in 1952. He was President/Social Chair of Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, an All Conference basketball player and a member of the following organizations: Blue Key, Scabbard and Blade, Edwin Booth, Secretary of Lettermen’s Club, Interfraternity Council, Board of Public Programs, Treasurer of the Senior Class, Distinguished Military Grade and received the Army Association Medal. Art served in the Army during World War II and active duty during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged in 1954, as 1st Lieutenant in the Infantry. In 1954, he became an insurance salesman and later, an instructor and sales manager. In 1962, Art co-founded Security International Insurance Company in Fargo. He retired in 2007. Art married Norene Leverson in 1961. The Bunkers have made their home in Fargo spending time in Phoenix, Arizona. They have remained tremendous partners and friends. Art served five terms as a State Representative; Speaker of the House in 1973, Past President of NDSU Team Makers, inducted into the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975, charter member of the NDSU Development Foundation; served as President of the NDSU Alumni Association, receiving the Alumni Award from Business Economics in 1969, and the Alumni Achievement Award in 1989 and an Honorary Doctorate in 1992, from NDSU. In 1995, Art was awarded the NDSU Development Foundation Service Award. The Bentson-Bunker Fieldhouse, the Art and Norene Bunker Basketball Court in the Bison Sports Arena, and the Art and Norene Bunker Office in the Sunderland Football Complex at the FargoDome all bear the Bunker name. Art and Norene have been tremendous friends of higher education in general and NDSU specifically. The also made numerous contributions to Concordia College, Mary College, First Lutheran Church and many other worthy causes. Art is survived by his loving wife, Norene, Fargo, ND; brother-in-law, Glen “Tuck” (Ruth) Leverson, Mercer, WI; cousins, Charles “Skip” (Joanie) Gossett, Speedway, IL; and Jeannie (Warren) Gossett, Norris City, IL; numerous nephews and nieces and loving cousins. Art was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother; brother and sisters-in-law, Arnold and Barbara Kupkec, Bellevue, WA; Dale “Nip” Leverson, Crosby, TX; cousin, Warren Gossett, Norris City, IL; and two loving aunts, Mary and Marge. The family would like to express their gratitude to MeritCare Palliative Care and its wonderful staff for their kindness, love, special attention and devotion. In lieu of flower, memorials may be sent to the NDSU Athletic Department, First Lutheran Church Foundation, Concordia College, Medora Foundation, University of Mary, or charity of donor’s choice. Memorial Service: Monday, June 28, 2010, 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.