James Elmer “Pinky” Schunke, 91, of Gilman, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Gilman Health Care Center. He was born December 26, 1927 in Gilman, the son of William and Viola (Carty) Schunke and they preceded him in death. James married Willie Bucksteeg in Watseka on April 3, 1957 and she preceded him in death on May 15, 1996. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, William Rusty Schunke and Myrtle Schunke, and his sister Evelyn “Peg” Mueller.

He is survived by one daughter, Jaye Lynn and husband Eric Gravitt of Normal; two sons, Dale Schunke of Gilman and James Lee Schunke of McKinney, TX; seven grandchildren, Danny, Nicole, Kyle James, Matt, Josh, Christopher, and Andy; and three great grandchildren, Caitlin, Emma, and Alexa.

Mr. Schunke served in the U.S. Army. Pinky later worked for IDOT for a short period of time and went on to work at Swift, where he retired after many years. Mr. Schunke was an avid fisherman, enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and golfing.

Cremation rites will be accorded by the Knapp-Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman and a private graveside service will be held at a later date at Gilman Cemetery.