\r\nSchuyler "Bunk" H. Van Gorden, age 92 of Eau Claire, died peacefully at Luther Hospital on February 10, 2011. \r\nBunk was born July 30, 1918, in Osseo, WI, to Clyde and Elsie (Caley) Van Gorden. Bunk married Eileen LaMay on September 18, 1937, in Winona, MN. In 1938, he joined his father in the C.S. Van Gorden and Son business of building pre-fab homes and fishing boats until 1941 when he was employed at Presto Industries. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served as a Seaman Second Class in the Pacific Theater until he was honorably discharged in 1945. He returned and worked at the U.S. Rubber Co. until 1948, at which time he re-joined the C.S. Van Gorden and Son Co. until the business closed in 1962.\r\nBunk went back to school at Wisconsin State University in Eau Claire and received his Bachelor's Degree in 1965 and his Master's Degree in education in 1970. He taught at Rice Lake High School for two years and then at the Eau Claire Vocational School from 1967-1980.\r\nHe was actively involved in Christ Church Cathedral his entire life, was ordained an Episcopal Deacon in 1982 and served the Diocese of Eau Claire until 2006.\r\nBunk was an Honorary 33rd Degree Mason. He started his Masonic journey in 1946. He was Commander of Sanctuary Lodge #347, Commander in Chief of the Eau Claire Consistory, Masonic Man of the Year and received the Knight York Cross of Honor. \r\nBunk will be remembered as a founding member of the Pinehurst Ski Hill and the Eau Claire little league. He was also the Heart and Cancer Drive Chairman, the Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and a Toastmaster.\r\nBunk was known by his family and friends as a kind, compassionate and non-judgmental man. He wore an infectious smile and was always willing to give a warm encouraging hug. \r\nBunk is survived by his wife of 73 years, Eileen; four children, Karen Patrow (Mark Smith) of Eau Claire, Schuyler "Skip" (Jane) Van Gorden III of Eau Claire, James (Carolyn) Van Gorden of Bloomer, and Cynthia Bast of Hudson; grandchildren, Steven, Mary, Sally, Cathy, Susan, Jason, Heather, Sarah, Schuyler, Jenny, Emily, Adam and Michelle; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with nieces and nephews, Annie (Paul) Narveson of Oshkosh, WI, Judy (Doug) Kornamann of Grafton, WI, Dick (Judy) Tornowske of Webster, WI and Peter Van Every of Charleston, SC.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters and their husbands.\r\nVisitation will be from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Lenmark Gomsrud Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave., Eau Claire, and one hour prior to the services at church. Rose and Salt ceremony will be conducted by the Scottish Rite Valley of Eau Claire beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, followed by Masonic Rites led by the Sanctuary Lodge #347. Requiem Eucharist will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Christ Church Cathedral, 510 S. Farwell St. in Eau Claire with The Very Rev. Father H. Scott Kirby officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery in Eau Claire at a later date.\r\nMemorials may be directed to Christ Church Cathedral, 510 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, WI 54701, Eau Claire Sanctuary Lodge #347, 616 Graham Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701 or donor's choice.

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