John Thomas Bunthoff

John Thomas Bunthoff, 84, left this earth—and a very real void in many hearts—on August 29, 2026. He will be remembered for his love of golf, poker, vintage Western movies, good bourbon, and, above all, the friends and family who meant so much to him.

Born May 30, 1942, to John and Ruth Bunthoff, John was the third of their four children. He grew up in Cincinnati and joined the Air Force after graduating. After his service, he moved to Milwaukee, where he worked in factories for many years.

Milwaukee is also where John met the love of his life, Phyllis Cardini, at a wedding. Nine months later, they were married and went on to raise their two children in Wisconsin. After retiring, John and Phyllis headed south to North Georgia in 2007, happily leaving the winter weather behind. There they found a wonderful new circle of friends, many of whom remained close neighbors and dear friends through the years.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Cardini Bunthoff, in 2019, following nearly 54 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his sister, Barbara Bunthoff Vogt; brothers-in-law James Rook and Ed Vogt; sister-in-law Kathleen Cardini Anderson; and many members of the chosen family he and Phyllis gathered around them over the decades.

He is survived by his children, Christopher Bunthoff and Renee Bunthoff Sponholz; son-in-law Robert Warren; grandchildren Nathan Sponholz and Cassandra Sponholz; and great-granddaughters Lyla, Lainey, and Ella, all of whom he loved dearly. He also leaves behind his sister, Ruthann Bunthoff Kelly (Mike Kelly); his brother, Paul Bunthoff; ex-sister-in-law Debbe Adams; and brother-in-law Dennis Anderson.

John will also be missed by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends across the country—especially the great group of friends in the neighborhood he called home in recent years. There are simply too many people to name, but John’s family is deeply grateful for the love, friendship, care, and attention so many shared with both John and Phyllis over the past 19 years.

True to John’s simple style, he did not want a church service. Instead, he wanted a party—a chance for everyone to share stories, raise a glass, and celebrate the memories he gave us all.

An afternoon celebration of John’s life will be held on September 19, 2026, at the clubhouse in his Cumming, Georgia, community. Food, drinks, and memories will be flowing. And yes, there will be bourbon. Details to follow.