Leo L. Hunter, K9GDI SK SK October 4, 2017 Leo Lauren "Bud" Hunter died peacefully at age 99 on October 4, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was in his home overlooking the Fox River in Cary, Illinois. Until the very end Leo was quite active even driving. Leo is survived by his children, son Tim (Carol) of Tucson, Arizona, daughter Christina (Jim) Pfeifer of San Diego, California, adopted daughter Jane Roderick of Cary, Illinois, Stepdaughter Judith Hopkins (John) of Glenview, Illinois, Stepdaughter Janice Sasso (Barry) of Huntley, Illinois, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his first wife June, mother of Tim and Christina, his second wife Marion mother of Judith, Janice, and Jane, Robert Roderick husband of Jane, sister Mary Francis Mertz of Fresno, California, and brother James Hunter of Anderson, Indiana. Leo was born on May 13, 1918 in Lafayette, Indiana, to Francis Park and Fern Gertrude Hunter. Leo graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in Lafayette in 1936. He attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, graduating with a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering on June 9, 1940. After graduating from college, Leo worked for Perfect Circle Piston Ring Corporation in Hagerstown, Indiana. He married June Bradshaw on October 29, 1942. Tim was born in 1943, and Christina was born in 1947. June died prematurely in 1966, and he married Marion Fullerton in 1969. Leo served on active duty from May 23, 1942 until being honorably discharged on February 4, 1946 rising to the rank of Brevet Major. He served in combat zones in New Guinea and the Philippines. Leo had a lifelong fascination with amateur radio first receiving his novice license in 1956. He carried the call sign K9GDI for his entire life. He soon obtained his general license and later became and advanced operator with an extra class license. Leo and his second wife Marion loved motorhoming for more than 30 years traveling all over North America, including two trips to Alaska. Tim (Tucson) and Christina (San Diego) enjoyed many visits with Leo and Marion as they took their motor home out west, while daughter Jane watched over the home during their multi-month trips. The family close to home enjoyed many boating and fishing adventures with Leo and Marion on the Fox River. Leo was as close and loved his "second" family as much as his "first" family. In addition, Leo had multiple friends throughout the country from his motorhome and amateur radio adventures. He also loved to boat and fish on the Fox River where he developed close friendships with dear neighbors. A celebration of Leo's life will be scheduled for a later date. For those who wish to remember Leo with a donation, the family recommends donations in his name be sent to the American Red Cross to aid recent natural disaster victims from hurricanes and flooding. The family would like to thank Leo's wonderful neighbors with whom he spent many a happy hour enjoying good times on the Fox River and who provided close friendship and help in his later years. These neighbors provided much needed support to Leo's children as he entered his final days. The family would also like to thank all those acquaintances, colleagues, medical, and hospice personnel who professionally and caringly gave him the care and comfort he needed in his last days. Published in Chicago Suburban Daily Herald on Oct. 15, 2017 http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyherald/obituary.aspx?n=leo-lauren-hunter&pid=186952102
