Bonifacio Zuniga

Bonifácio Zuniga, lovingly known to his children as “Papi”, to his grandchildren as “Grandpa”, and to many in the Worland community as "Shorty", passed away on August 20, 2026, at the age of 91.

Bonifácio was born on June 5, 1935, in Nuevo León, Mexico. His childhood was marked by extreme poverty. There were times when having enough food was uncertain. As a young boy, he would help an elderly woman in exchange for something to eat, and when he did not have proper shoes, his father would find ways to make coverings for his feet from pieces of fabric. Those early hardships shaped the strength, resourcefulness, and work ethic he carried the rest of his life and made providing for his own family one of the things he did best.

Papi eventually came to the United States and settled in Worland, Wyoming, where he met Felicitas Sosa. The two married on July 18, 1958, and had eight children together: Bonifacio Jr. (Boni), John Joe (Pepe), Tammy, Manuela (Mela), Mary, David, Pedro, and Angie. Bonifácio also had two older daughters, Alice and Elida.

He was, without question, the hardest-working person his family ever knew, and if his body had allowed it, he would have worked until his last day. He spent 20+ years at Holly Sugar, and worked many more at McGarvin Moberly. He served as groundskeeper for Ray Bower, Kelly Clay, Sam Hampton, and other prominent community members. He was known affectionately as "Shorty" by the Hubers, and others he worked with at the Feedlot. He was fiercely loyal to the people he worked for, believing in showing up, doing the job right, and giving his best, earning respect and affection everywhere he went.

Papi didn't just preach hard work, he modeled it, instilling in his children a sense of responsibility and perseverance that has carried down through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Though he could be strict, Papi also had a kind, patient side, someone you could sit with, talk to, and trust for good advice. He showed love by making sure the people around him had plenty, whether that meant mountains of tacos from Taco John's on Tuesdays, A&W fish sandwiches on Fridays, or bags of burgers and gallons of root beer! He also taught his family to cook by feel rather than recipe, what he called "tener la mano" an instinct for knowing when something was just right - no measuring cups needed!

Papi loved to laugh, and he was loud, especially on the phone. His conversations with close friends like Compadre Vigil would get louder and louder as the jokes flowed. That big voice turned out to be hereditary; when his children and grandchildren are especially loud now, the family knows exactly where they got it. He enjoyed the simple things: a good cup of coffee, something sweet-especially his “Sandies”, laughter with family and friends, and watching his Dallas Cowboys. He was a devout Catholic, and his faith was an important part of his life and heritage.

Bonifácio was a brother to Jesus Rosales, Pedro Romero, Ruben Zuniga, Maria Felix Tober, Francisca Zuniga, Martina Olga Zuniga, Guadalupe (Ofelia) Zuniga, San Juana Zuniga, Soledad Zuniga, Elvira Peña, Josefina Zuniga, and Catarina Zuniga (Josefina and Catarina died in infancy).

He is survived by his children and their loved ones: Bonifacio Jr. (Mary) Zuniga of Laramie, WY; Tammy (Mike) Montoya, Manuela Isbell, Mary Mueller all of Worland, WY; David (Dawn) Zuniga of New Brighton, MN; Pedro (Lindsey) Zuniga of Mounds View, MN; Angie (Dana) Shumway of Aurora, CO, and Alice Rodriguez of Billings, MT, along with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Papi has now joined his beloved wife, Felicitas, and his son, John Joe, in paradise. While he will be deeply missed, there is comfort in knowing that after a long life of working, providing, persevering, and carrying so much, Papi can finally rest.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday August 29, 2026 at St Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Worland. A Vigil and Rosary will be held on Friday August 28 at 7:00 PM with a visitation beginning at 6:00 PM at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Memorials to help with funeral costs may be sent to PO Box 524, Worland, WY 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.