Louise Payne Bundhund

Louise Payne Bundhund was brought home by her Heavenly Father on May 8, 2016.

She passed from this world from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Louise Payne Bundhund was born on May 8, 1937 in Crosby, N. D., and adopted by adoring parents, Beatrice and John W. Payne. She and her family moved to Williston, N.D., where she excelled in academics, swimming, diving, Girls State and many school activities and clubs. She was very involved in the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and was a Grand Page for the State of North Dakota’s chapter of the organization.

She had a love for animals at an early age and loved riding her horse, Trixie.

She graduated from Colorado Women’s College with a bachelor’s degree in library science. She married her childhood sweetheart, Ernest “Buck” Bundhund, Aug. 23, 1959. Buck was drafted into the Army and they moved to Japan where they were stationed for three years.

Louise began her habit of making the most of every move they made and took art lessons, modeled, learned to golf and supported Buck. They moved to Phoenix in 1963 where he worked for General Electric.

They adopted Ann in 1966 and John in 1968.

Buck took a job in Schenectedy, N.Y., with GE’s audit staff and was gone often for long assignments, and again, Louise would never complain, make dear friends, take care of two young children and keep the household going during his absence.

They moved to San Jose, Calif., in 1971 until 1987. Louise was involved in many volunteer and charitable organizations such as the Congregrational Church, Children’s Home Society, Welcome Wagon, PTA and her children’s swim club, San Jose Aquatics. She worked with special needs children in elementary school and junior high. She went to Oakland airport in 1975 when planes were landing as part of “Operation Babylift” (when Saigon fell) and helped welcome and care for Vietnamese orphans rescued out of the region.

She and Buck had wonderful parties, sometimes with crazy themes. There is one street in San Jose that they actually had a chariot race down.

In 1987, they moved again to Ormond Beach, Fla., and became active in their country club, Oceanside. She also became active in her church and through the church helped tutor and mentor at-risk children.

Buck and Louise traveled all around the world and would cherish each and every trip. One of her favorites was their safari in Africa.

They finally ended up in Whitefish where they had vacationed many times. They built their dream home and filled it with memories of their family, friends and adventures.

Louise cherished her family and considered her friends as her family. She never missed her friends and family’s birthdays, anniversaries with thoughtful gifts and cards. She was infamous for her annual Christmas letter, much to Buck’s chagrin. She loved to golf, ski, hike in Glacier National Park, go on river rafting trips, and play bridge.

She was an amazing decorator, entertainer, cook, and baker. She made her home a place of love and fun where family and friends could feel comfortable. She had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.

She adored her grandchildren, Taylor, Ryan, Jade, and Sage and spoiled them rotten. She would make trips exclusively to see Taylor and Ryan play hockey and for Jade and Sage’s performances.

She was loving, generous, compassionate, creative and fun. Her love for her family, friends and for life is something to be admired.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

She is preceded in death by her husband, Buck, parents and brother.

She is survived by her daughter, Ann Carriveau; son-in-law, Chris; son, John Bundhund; grandsons, Taylor and Ryan Carriveau; and granddaughters, Jade and Sage Bundhund.

She will be dearly missed but she is now in heaven, dancing with the love of her life, Buck and with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date this summer for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Society or Children’s Home Society. Austin Funeral Home is caring for Louise’s family.