Vernon Otto "Bun" Church, age 80 of the Stockbridge Munsee reservation, passed away at home on September 22, 2021.  Vern was the oldest son born to Priscilla (Beilke) and George "Elmer" Church on the Stockbridge Munsee reservation.  Vern lived on the reservation during his early years, moving with his family to Milwaukee during the Relocation era.  He completed his high school in Milwaukee, then furthered his education, eventually becoming a master mechanic.  He spent most of his career working in Ford garages and dealerships. In 1960, he married his lifelong partner, Donna "Jeanie" Malone, who survives him.  They raised two children together Matthew (Dawn) Church and Kathryn (Gary) Footit, in Sturgeon Bay WI.  He was the proud grandfather of Melissa (Kurtis) Lauder and Aimee Footit and great-grandfather to Melissa's boys, Cason and Isaak.

When he finally retired, Vern and Jeanie moved back to the reservation and settled back in the "stone house" he knew as his first home.  Vern enjoyed motorsports, especially watching Nascar on TV.  He continued to enjoy "tinkering" on mechanical projects like his van or lawn mower right up until the end.  He was always ready to help out his brother-in-law, Jeff, with advice or a tool needed for work on a vehicle.

In addition to his wife of 61 years, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Vern is survived by his special baby brother Roland "Rick" (Annette) Church, and brother Rodney "Butch" (Sharon) Church.  He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Larry (Becky) Madden, Ronnie Walters, and Dennis Faber, and sister-in-law, Judy (Jeff) Heubel, along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vern's parents preceded him in death as did his three sisters; Verona, Verna and Verlie.  He was also preceded by a sister-in-law, Estella, and his special fur buddy Charlie.

A time of sharing will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 1:00 pm at the Swedberg Funeral Home in Gresham. Burial will be in the Stockbridge Burial Grounds on Saturday after the service. Visitation will be held at 11:00 am at the funeral home until the time of sharing. A memorial gathering is tentatively planned for October 9, 2021.