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Donald Norman Bungum, 92, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2024. Born on September 17, 1931, in Hayfield, Minnesota, Donald was the third of 10 children born to Gustav Norman and Elsie (Throndson) Bungum. He was baptized on October 25, 1931, at West St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Hayfield and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson, Minnesota.

Donald graduated as Salutatorian from Mantorville High School in 1949 and earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and Business from Luther College in 1953. He furthered his education with a Master of Education from the University of Wyoming in 1959. 

He served his country honorably in the U.S. Army, 11th Airborne Division, during the Korean Conflict. He continued to honor those who served by interviewing and recording over 175 veterans, contributing these invaluable stories to the Veteran’s History Project at the Smithsonian Institution. 

Don’s career in education was distinguished and impactful. He served as Superintendent of Schools in the Chisago Lakes Area from 1969 to 1987, among prior educational roles including teacher, principal, and assistant principal in several communities across Minnesota and Iowa. Don also worked for the Minnesota School District Liquid Asset Fund from 1987-2005. 

On June 6, 1954, Donald married Joan Edna Morford in Claremont, Minnesota. They raised a wonderful family together. He is survived by his children: David (Michele), Jane (Louis Zupancic), and Philip (Shyn Woan); grandchildren: Donald (Alicia), Samuel (Monica), Haaken, Maline, and Seth Bungum, Mary Bloodworth (Jeffrey), and Lydia and Sonja Zupancic; great-grandchildren, Josie, Mara, Peter, Andrew, Rosemary, Theodore and Ernest Bungum, and Anne Bloodworth. He is also survived by his siblings Janice, Peter, and John along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings, including Paul, Elizabeth, James, Charles, Karen, Mark, and several in-laws. 

Don’s life was marked by dedication to his faith, family, community, Norwegian heritage, and country. He attended and served Chisago Lake Lutheran Church for over 50 years. He was passionate about education, veteran affairs, and public service. He traveled to six continents, with three trips to his beloved Norway. He touched countless lives through his work and will be remembered for his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering commitment to those he loved. 

Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, MN, with a visitation one hour before the service at the church. Don will be buried, alongside his wife, parents, siblings, grandparents, and great-grandparents at West St. Olaf Cemetery in Hayfield, MN at a later date. Arrangements are with Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, MN. Condolences may be expressed online at www.grandstrandfh.com. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to: Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, 1 Summit Ave, Center City, MN 55012. Chisago Lakes Education Foundation, Chisago Lakes Area Schools, 29400 Olinda Trail, Lindstrom, MN 55045, Attn: Heather Turner. Donald N. & Joan E. Scholarship , Luther College Development Office, 700 College Drive, Decorah, IA 52101. Please add ‘Bungum Scholarship’ in the Memo line of the check. 

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