Michael Bunce, 45, Minot, died Tuesday, December 20, 2016, in a Minot hospital.

Michael was born November 13, 1971, in Great Falls, MT, the son of Don and Kathy (Payne) Bunce. He was raised and educated in Bottineau, ND until his freshman year when he moved with his family to Minot. He played football, wrestled and was a track athlete for the Lions. He graduated with the Bishop Ryan High School Class of 1989. Michael attended the University Of Mary on a track scholarship and finished his degree in Communications & English at Minot State University.

He was joined in marriage to Vhonda Carter May 2, 1997, in Bismarck, ND. They made their home in Minot. Michael worked most of his professional life in communications. He went from a shy little boy in his youth to someone who could light up a room with laughter. He had the gift of telling a good story and could imitate almost anyone or anything.

He was part of the 99.9 Mix crew and worked as a full-time reporter and weekend anchor at KX. He also served as an adjunct professor at Minot State University in the Broadcasting Department for 13 years. He enjoyed his time and the students from his teaching days. Michael also was part of the Zoo Crew radio family. Recently, he was employed at the Minot Automotive Group until his health failed.

Michael loved his family with his whole heart, plain and simple. He was a 'Pop-Pop' who was so proud of his grandchildren and he shared a special bond with his son, Gabe. He will be missed by all who were blessed to be part of the 'belly laughs' Mike so lovingly shared. May he rest in peace.

His surviving family includes loving wife of 19 years, Vhonda, Minot; son, Gabe, Minot; daughters, Sarah (Cory) Prough, Oceanside, CA and Ginny (Nick) Campbell, Golden, CO; parents, Don and Kathy Bunce, Casa Grande, AZ; sister, Amore't (Brad) Allen, Wasilla, AK; nephews, Austin Sjong and Zorn Allen and mother-in-law, Sarah Bradshaw, Minot, ND.

Michael was preceded in death by grandparents, Lucy and Clarence Bunce and Annabelle and Cliff Payne along with numerous aunts and uncles.

Celebration of Life Service: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016, at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the service at the funeral home.