OREGON - Francis “Sonny” McKune was born in Madison, Wis., on Oct. 16, 1926, the son of Helen (Crotty) and Patrick McKune. He passed away peacefully on Dec. 29, 2021, at Oregon Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

He attended Catholic schools through eighth grade and graduated from Central High School, in Madison, in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy that same year and served during World War II on an LST ship in San Diego, Calif., until his discharge in 1946. After discharge, Sonny moved to Oregon, Wis. He worked for many years in the lumber business as a yardman and truck driver, starting out at K.G. Smith Lumber in Brooklyn, and later at the Oregon Lumber Company. After leaving the Oregon Lumber Company, he became the owner of the Sportsman’s Bar on Main Street. He was also a founding member of the Oregon Sportsman’s Club on Sandhill Road and also of American Legion Post 0160 in Brooklyn, Wis.

Sonny was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. He went on elk hunting excursions, where he rode horseback, in Montana, and would travel north, to ‘deer camp,’ in Gordon, Wis., for many years with his cousins, Jim and Dave Lunde. Sonny also enjoyed fishing.

Sonny had a passion for gambling. He could be found playing in a local Oregon card game or at Ho-Chunk Casino in Wisconsin Dells. His passion even took him as far as Las Vegas on numerous occasions.

Sonny survived an airplane crash in the 70s and came out unscathed, but his knees bothered him greatly as he aged. In 2014, Sonny took part in the Badger Honor Flight. Time passed and he moved to Genesis Housing and later to an assisted living facility in Cottage Grove. Needing more care, Sonny moved to Oregon Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in September of 2021.

Sonny is survived by his devoted cousin and his wife, Bill and Ann Baumgartner; Katie (Chad Cox) and their children; and his nieces, Michelle McKune and Kathy Kinge.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Patrick; his brother, Michael (Pauline) McKune; sister, Patricia (Eugene) King; and special aunt, Dorothy (Bill) Baumgartner.

There will be a private graveside service in the Spring of 2022.

A special thank you to Katie for ALL of her help and advice he received.

Thank you to Drumlin Assisted Living, Oregon Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center and Heartland Hospice. Please consider a donation to Heartland Hospice in memory of Sonny.

Sonny will be remembered as an excellent marksman who was always willing to help his friends and family.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park Street

(608) 835-3515

Francis Edward McKune

October 16, 1926 - December 29, 2021

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