Brian Russell "Bunky" Bunker, 58, of Flandreau, SD, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Memorial visitation will take place from 4:30PM to 6:30PM on Monday, July 21, 2025 at Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, SD.

Brian Russell Bunker, better known as "Bunky" was born January 3, 1967 to parents Francis and Doris Bunker. He was the youngest of five siblings and was the "baby of the year", being the first born in the area for 1967. He grew up in Flandreau and graduated from Flandreau High School in 1986.

An article written by Carleen Wild in the Moody County Enterprise on January 7, 2025 beautifully outlines Bunky's life. It reads:

Bunker, or Bunky as most people know him, grew up in Flandreau and has spent nearly his entire life here.

"I never really left," he told the Moody County Enterprise. "I moved away for a few months, but I came right back. I've lived here pretty much all my life." It's been a good life, too, he'll tell you. After graduating from Flandreau Public Schools, Bunky spent nearly 16 years volunteering for the county ambulance service. In 2000, he began working various farm and labor jobs in the area.

But in 2011, life took a sudden turn when he suffered a significant stroke. Doctors warned him to avoid stress to prevent another life-threatening episode. Instead of slowing down completely, Bunky adapted — and with his trusty cart in hand to help steady him as he walks, Bunky has quietly become a fixture in Flandreau. "I like to wander around, say hi to people, and keep the town looking nice," Bunky said, humble about the role he plays. "That's just what I do. I've got several places I go. I pick up cans along the street. It's been good for me. Every day I usually get a full container."  Bunky stores his cans in a shed on one end of town. When he gets tired, he stops for the day. And when the shed fills up, a friend takes him to Sioux Falls to exchange them.

The "tin can man," as locals affectionately call him, doesn't do it for the money. For Bunky, it's about giving back — keeping the streets clean, staying active, and building connections along the way. The pennies he earns per pound go into his savings account or toward supporting some of the only family he has left.  In a quiet, unassuming way, Bunky has become a symbol of dedication and kindness in Flandreau. He asks for nothing in return but a hello and a smile — and perhaps a few of your used aluminum cans.

"I just do what I can," he'll tell you, with a smile.

Throughout his life, Bunky enjoyed playing darts, participating in dart tournaments, and swimming. He was an avid Vikings fan, and nothing made him happier than spending time with friends and family. He never missed a loved one's birthday or special occasion. There was nothing on earth that Bunky wouldn't do for a "Buddy Old Pal".

He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Doris; siblings, Doug and Rosemary; and infant nephew, Donovan.

Bunky is survived by brothers, Dick (Sharon) Bunker, Keith Bunker; nieces, Angie and Brittany; nephew, Devin; many grand-nieces and grand-nephews; close friends, Sherrill and Tim Broekhuizen and family, Shari and Kevin Hammer and family, Judy Eldridge and family; and many, many "Buddy Old Pals".

The family invites you to BlueJays, Egan, SD for a social hour immediately following the burial at Ss. Simon and Jude Cemetery.

BlueJays in Egan, SD will be hosting a Celebration of Life and memorial dart tournament at a later date.