Dustin Bunnell

Dustin Dale Bunnell, 41 years old, of Billings, MT passed away peacefully on June 30, 2025.

Dustin had a very rare and complex form of cancer, Paraganglioma. He maintained a very positive approach to his diagnosis, and battled cancer with strength and courage.

Dustin was born in Billings, MT on April 25, 1984, to Darcy Bunnell and DeeDee Shoemaker Bublitz. He attended Elysian Elementary School and graduated from Billings West High School in 2003.

Dustin was a loving father to his son, Jacob Ray Bunnell. He was very proud to be Jake’s dad, and enjoyed being part of all his activities, sports, and sharing his love of hunting with his son.

Dustin was also a devoted big brother. He loved Matthew and Andy and has always been supportive and active in their lives. Dustin worked for Knife River for 20 years on the concrete crew. He was very proud of his work around the city of Billings. Dustin was known by his friends and co-workers as “El” short for elevator. Dustin’s 6’ 4’’ height and long arms were an asset on the job.

Dustin loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed many special hunting trips and experiences with his dad, son, brothers, and friends. He was also an avid golfer, and even during his illness could still play golf better than the rest of us. Dustin loved early mornings, all kinds of music, camping, BBQ, and spending time with his family and friends. He loved his Black Labrador; Brutus and they were inseparable.

Dustin is survived by his parents, DeeDee and Jerry Bublitz, and Darcy and Kaycee Bunnell; his son, Jacob Ray Bunnell; brothers, Matthew and Andy Larsen, grandmother, Dorothy Shoemaker; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dustin was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Dale Shoemaker, Sr. and his paternal grandmother, Dorcas Bunnell.

A celebration of Dustin’s life will be held at Eagle Rock Golf Course clubhouse on July 26, 2025 at 11:00 - 1:00, at 5624 Larimer Lane, Billings, MT 59105, where friends and family are invited to remember and celebrate a life that was cut short, but was truly a gift to us all.

It is important to recognize the entire staff at the Intermountain Cancer Center. You are definitely angels on earth. Your kindness, compassion and heartfelt care to Dustin was very much appreciated. The encouragement, support and weekly check-ins from his close friends Deren Nelson, Matt Azure and Rowdy Anderson were also very important and significant.

Dustin you will be forever missed by your parents, your son, your brothers, your grandmother, your extended family members and many friends. You were not fearful of death, but afraid of not living. You were a cancer warrior, and demonstrated that strength till the end.