Robert "Bunker" Kuethe

Normal- Robert “Bunker” W. Kuethe ,76, passed away on November 6, 2025 in Normal, IL.
Bunker was born November 29, 1948 in Alton, IL; son of Robert Henry and Joan (Miller) Kuethe. He married Jean Lucht on July 25, 1970 in Schwer. She survives him.

Also surviving Bunker are his children: Zach (Marisa) Kuethe of Normal, IL and Heidi (Nick) Jones of Milton, GA; four grandchildren: Taylor and Reid Kuethe, Ramsey and Simmons Jones; his siblings: Cathy (Steve) Behrens of Bunker Hill, IL and Ted (Norma) Kuethe of Prairietown, IL; brothers-in-law: Gary (Kolene) Lucht of Cissna Park, IL and Kenneth (Janine) Lucht of Milford, IL; sister-in-law: Colleen Lucht of Normal, IL; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Born Robert William Kuethe, he was affectionately known as “Bill” growing up in Bunker Hill, IL. He went on to attend Illinois State University where he became known as “Bunker Bill” because several guys on the same floor of his dorm were also named “Bill”. The nickname was later shortened to just “Bunker” and the name stuck.

Bunker met his wife, Jean, while attending Illinois State University where they both worked for food services. They resided in the Bloomington-Normal area throughout their 55-year marriage. He was a devoted husband, father, Papa, friend and co-worker.

In 2023 Bunker was recognized for 50 years of membership and dedication to the Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669. Over the course of his 35-year career, he worked as an Apprentice, Journeyman, Tutor Proctor and District Business Agent. In 2008, he retired from his final position of Secretary – Treasurer of the Road Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669, U.A.

A man of great faith, Bunker was active in his Church and community. He taught Sunday School for many years at St. John’s Lutheran Church and often volunteered for Lutheran World Relief and Samaritan’s Purse missions. He embraced the role of coordinating the Church slow-pitch softball team and coordinating the Vikings couples activities with his wife.

A decorated athlete himself, Bunker enjoyed watching or playing most sports, but baseball was his favorite. A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Bunker attended many games over the years and had the joy of singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” too many times to count. He and his son got the better of that family rivalry as his wife and daughter will always root for the lovable loser Cubbies.

He often said, “If I ever go missing, look for me fishing in Lake of the Ozarks”. He loved to fish, particularly during his family’s annual vacations in Osage Beach, where he was the reigning Crappie Cup Champion amongst family and friends.
In retirement, he enjoyed taking on the role of Snowbird, spending as much of the harsh Illinois winters in Fort Myers Beach, FL as he could. There are few things that he enjoyed more than a good book, a bike ride and a cold drink on the beach.
Bunker had a way with words and was legendary for his annual Christmas Card letter writing. While he was (mostly) a good sport over the 55 years of themed Holiday greetings orchestrated by his wife, we can’t help but think he got the last laugh by not having to participate one last time.

A special thank you to his physical therapists, especially Ralph and Josh, along with his "friends" at Sugar Creek who helped him navigate his journey with Parkinsons.

Service arrangements for Bunker will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, IL on Saturday, November 22nd. A visitation will be from 11:30 am to 1 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 1 pm with Pastor David Glesne and Pastor Brad Lucht officiating. Memorials may be made in Bunker’s name to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Services are entrusted to Calvert Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington, IL.

St. John’s Lutheran Church
1617 E Emerson Street ~ Bloomington, IL 61701