Jerome Wallace Bunde, 90

Jerome Wallace Bunde, age 90, longtime resident of Wallace, Idaho, passed away Aug. 22, 2024, at his home in Wallace. Jerome was born May 6, 1934, in McVille, N.D., Nelson County a son of Oscar and Ruth (Doud) Bunde. 

"Born in a haystack and grew up on a milk stool" was how Jerome liked to tell it.

Jerome graduated from McVille High School, Class of 1952. He left North Dakota in 1955 to come to Wallace, Idaho, to start a new life, a new career where he heard money was in mining.

During his early mining years, he dabbled in penny mining stocks enough to hang up his miner’s hat and pursue a career as a stockbroker. With his ticker tape machine and black chalkboard, he started selling stocks with Pennaluna & Company in the early 1970s. Shortly after receiving his license, he took over managing the Silver Valley offices, where his love of telling stories and his passion for selling securities kept him busy for over 40 years doing what he loved to do. He’d probably be still working today if the company hadn’t closed its doors in 2015.

Jerome was actively involved in local government, participated in community organizations and events, was extremely knowledgeable of political history, outspoken with his political views and had a wealth of knowledge of the mining industry.

In his later years, his love of gardening kept him busy; he enjoyed playing cards, reading the newspapers and watching news programs. He also could be seen most days out walking the “dachys.” Jerome was a proud resident of Wallace and called it “God’s Country.” He married Carleen Jerdin on Sept. 23, 2006, at the Center of The Universe in Wallace. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, two brothers, his son, Thomas Bunde, and the mother of his children, Anna Kirkwood Bunde.

Survivors include his wife, Carleen Bunde, of Wallace, Idaho; three daughters, Lori Bunde, Karen Williams and Machelle Martin; one brother, Peter Bunde; a sister, Sally Broomell; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many dear friends. 

A celebration of Jerome’s life will be held Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Wallace Elks Lodge, Wallace, Idaho, where a catered reception will follow the services.

Memories of Jerome and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting the Bunde family with arrangements.