Bunker, Rodney, PhD. "Grampa Roddy" b. 12/31/1939; d. 1/15/2023 Surrounded by the comfort of family in the preceding days, Rod passed away in the early hours of Jan. 15, 2023, following a sudden, severe brain bleed. Rod was born in Green Bay, WI to Rose and Felix Bunker, living briefly on the family farm in Scarboro, WI. He attended the Catholic priesthood seminary in Oneida/Green Bay for several years and later chose to complete his undergraduate studies at St. Norbert College (1963) and earn his PhD studies at Notre Dame University (1969). Rod joined the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Political Science program teaching Latin American Studies and State & Local Government. He was a tenured professor there for eight years. In 1976, Rod and his family moved to Minneapolis, MN where he worked as a mediator; as a Metro State part-time professor; and as a Metro Transit driver. Rod was an insatiable reader, an eager traveler and adventurer, a skilled craftsman and woodworker, a gifted storyteller and writer, a passionate educator and historian, a curious musician, a reliable friend, and a man of great faith standing tall for social justice. Though of all his life pursuits, the gift of being a father and a husband were his greatest joys and accomplishments. Rod is survived by his brother Lloyd (Addie); his sister, Bonnie; his wife of 56 years, Virginia; and their 4 children, 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren: son Joshua & Laurel (Naomi & Camile); daughter Sarah (Bobby, Paris [Kaleah], Tahjianna [Makhai, & Freya] & India); son Isaac & Stephanie (Claire & Isaac); son Randy & Larvel (Sophia & Mikaela). A Green Burial of Rod's body was performed at Roselawn Cemetery in Roseville, MN. A fitting celebration and tribute to Rod is planned for early Summer.