Wallace Bunnell

Wallace Reese Bunnell, 88, died peacefully at home on Monday, June 23, 2025. He was born on April 10, 1937, in Spring City, Utah to Stephen R. and Helen Bunnell, the second of 3 children.

Wally had an active and adventurous childhood growing up in Brigham City, Utah. He loved playing sports with baseball being his favorite. He spent many hours in the outdoors with his dog, Jack, hunting ducks and pheasants. His love of the outdoors carried into his adult life with many campouts and fishing trips with his children and grandchildren.

He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern California Mission.

Wally graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Civil Engineering and then spent his entire career of over 40 years working for the US Forest Service which allowed him to continue to enjoy his time in the outdoors.

On August 25,1961, he married Natalie Strate in the Salt Lake Temple. During their courtship he would regularly drive from Brigham City to Provo to take her dancing, an activity they both loved to do.

As their family grew throughout the years they lived in Ogden, Utah, Logan, Utah, Boise, Idaho, Sheridan, Wyoming, St. Anthony, Idaho, West Jordan, Utah and Smithfield, Utah. While living in West Jordan, they served several missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their first mission was with the church's department of forestry followed by service as senior missionaries in the Alabama Birmingham Mission. Upon their return Wally served as a service missionary for the church's property reserve department as a civil engineer while Natalie served in the church's missionary department.

With all 8 of his children participating in sports in their youth, Wally was an active participant as well as a means to stay engaged with his children. He coached football, basketball, and baseball. He also refereed high school football. Anyone who attended any of his children's sporting events knew Wally well, because he was always very vocal in calling out any mistakes the referees would make. But to his credit, he was just as good at taking criticism from the fans as a referee as he was at giving criticism to the referees as a fan. He did his best to make it to his children's sporting events, piano recitals, etc.

He was actively involved in the Scouting program, encouraging and helping his 5 sons and many others to earn their Eagle Scout award. He also attended many Father and Sons outings with them over the years.

Throughout his life he held many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including Bishop's counselor, Primary teacher, early morning seminary teacher, Young Men's leader, and Gospel Doctrine teacher.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, older brother, Stephen L., his oldest son, David, and daughter-in-law, Lisa. He is survived by his wife, Natalie; his children, Alison, Paul (Missy), Carole (Mark), Leann (Matt), Mark (Angela), Mike (Amanda), Dale (Valery); daughter-in-law, Brenda; 28 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Beth Peterson.