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Peaceful passing of Susie Bongers-Gunkel

Susie Bongers-Gunkel passed away peacefully the morning of Sunday, May 10, 2020 on Mother’s Day with the love of her family surrounding her after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma (Brain Cancer).

Susie was born in Saigon, Vietnam in 1968 to Fritz and Lang. The family then moved to Carson City, Nevada in February of 1973. She graduated from Carson High School with the Class of 1986. Susie then went to beauty school and received her cosmetology license the following year.

She worked for the family salon for several years before moving to Reno and began working at The University of Nevada Reno’s Systems Administration Office. Soon after, Susie met her husband, Richard, and they started a beautiful family in Sparks.

In 2005, Susie and her family moved back to Carson City with the dreams of raising their 2 boys closer to family and having them attend the same schools as she once did. She went back to working for the beauty salon while taking care of her family, volunteering for the school system and becoming involved with various youth sports programs for her sons.

Susie was a woman of many passions including: cooking, volunteering, traveling with her family, working outdoors in her beautiful garden and spending time with loved ones and friends. She was such a sweet person with the ability to put a smile on so many people’s faces just by taking the time to talk to them.

She will be missed by her husband of 20 years, Richard; sons, Matthew and Maxwell; her mom Lang (MJ); her sister Carol Bongers Earle and brother-in-law Pete, Nephews and Niece; Steven, Terryn and Jaden; as well as numerous extended family members and friend.

Susie was predeceased by her dad, Fritz and brother, Jim.

A Celebration of Susie’s Life will be held on Sunday, June 28th at Washoe State Park at 12 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a trust fund for her boys’ college education.

The family would like to thank the countless people in our lives and community who took the time to help Susie and be with her throughout her 18 month long battle. We are forever grateful in knowing how loved Susie was by so many.

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