Joseph Bunij Jr. was born on January 22, 1947, to Joseph Bunij Sr. and Eleanor Maslowski in Laona, Forest County, Wisconsin. Following a short battle with lung cancer, he died on April 24, 2025, at his home in Buffalo Gap, South Dakota, at the age of 78, with his dear friend, Carrie Zoellick at his side.

After willingly enlisting in the United States Army, three weeks before his 18th birthday, Joe proudly served his country for 20 years from 1964 to 1984. He was a highly decorated soldier, and by age 22 he had received four Bronze Stars, two with Valor, as well as two Purple Hearts. He served in 15 of the 17 campaigns throughout the Vietnam War as part of the 82nd, 101st and 173rd Airborne Divisions, retiring as a Master Sergeant.

Joe spent many of his formative years with his beloved sister, MaryAnn, in Armstrong Creek, Wisconsin, where his paternal grandfather, Michal Bunij, managed the family farm. It is there that Joe joined the family in putting food on the table through hunting and fishing with his father, aunts, uncles and cousins. Those tasks were accomplished by the proficient use of both firearms and archery, outdoor skills which also became his favorite hobbies. After moving to Chicago with his family, Joe continued to spend time at his Grandpa Bunij's farm and the family cabin on weekends and during summer break, and his love of the outdoors and his family eventually led him back to Wisconsin.

After his father's death, the beautiful landscape of South Dakota called his name. He pulled up stakes and landed in Buffalo Gap. There he basked in the beauty of the mountains and enjoyed exploring it all. Joe and his Jeep traveled the roads of Custer State Park where he discovered a special peace and connection with the land. Joe still regularly traveled back to Armstrong Creek and stayed summers with his cousin, another Vietnam Veteran, Edwin Bunij.

Throughout his life, Joe loved dogs—including his Grandpa Bunij's Saint Bernards, Linda and Dagmar; his childhood dog, Sheba, and later Thunder and BooBoo; and, more recently, his service dogs, Buddy and Duke.  Joe cared for many animals, and much of the family has fond memories of a Whitetail fawn he named Dodie, that joined the menagerie one summer in Wisconsin.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; aunts, uncles, cousins; a niece; and his loving wife of 25 years, Genia, who he cared for through her fight with cancer.

Joe is survived by MaryAnn Bunij-Davis husband Carl; Donna Bunij-Eberhardt husband Karl; Michelle Bunij- Tessaro husband Rev.Paul; Kara Bunij-Millan husband Patrick; Keith Bunij and husband Lee Winkler.

He is also survived by two step-siblings, Debra and Allen, and many nieces and nephews.

Military honors will be presented 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Chamberlain McColley's Funeral Home in Hot Springs, SD followed by a memorial service.

Memorials may be sent to Battle Mt. Humane Society in Hot Springs, SD.