CAMDEN – John D. Bunger, 82, beloved husband of Theresa Griffin Bunger, died peacefully July 9, 2015, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born in Upland, Neb., on Jan. 7, 1933, he was the son of Ray and Amy Roggenkamp Bunger. Educated in Nebraska, he graduated from the University of Nebraska College. He received his doctorate in June 1956.

John served as a sergeant in the National Guard and went on to active duty in the U.S. Army in late August 1954. He took time out of college to serve his country.

After the Army and college, John went to work for the federal government in the Lincoln, Neb., Veterans Administrative Regional Office. He later went on to the Regional Office of the Chief Attorney in Washington, D.C. Later he received his hospital administration degree, and served as director of many veterans hospitals in the country. He retired in 1986 as CEO administrator of Togus Veterans Hospital in Augusta.

John loved to travel. He and Terry went on several trips to Europe and on many river cruises. John loved to read and study American history. He enjoyed collecting antiques. He had a great passion for supporting the local animal shelters.

He was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Shirley; and his brother, Donald. He is survived by his wife, Theresa (Terry) Griffin Bunger; his four stepchildren, Eileen Griffin and her husband, Steve Allen, of Branford, Conn., Maureen Peabody and her husband, David, of Hope, Kathleen King and her husband, Kyle, of Guilford, Conn., and KerryAnn Flahive and her husband, John, of Harrington Park, N.J.; eight step-grandchildren, Casey Erin Allen, Thomas David Peabody, Daniel Vincent Peabody, Morgan Paige King, Amanda Eve King, Margaret Maureen Flahive, Mary Kathleen Flahive and Molly Eileen Flahive; his brother, William Bunger and his wife, Margaret, of Upland, Neb.; his sister-in-law, Vivian Bunger of Nebraska; and several nieces and nephews.

John's family would like to extend special thanks to the nurses in the emergency department, and the lower level for their exceptional care and kindness. Thank you to Dr. James Kilgore for all he did. A very special thank you to Dr. Denise Anderson, John was blessed to have her as his doctor and to have her with him on his last day; it meant so much. Thanks to the Revs. John Rafter and Abby Pettee for all they did.

At John's request, no services will be held. He will be laid to rest in his home town of Lincoln, Neb.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to P.A.W.S. Animal Adoption Center, 146 Camden Street, Rockport, ME 04856.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.