Obit: Bunkelman, Gerald A. (1938 - 2008)

Contact: Ken

Email: ken@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bunkelman, Christians, Sunnen, Kalepp, Hoffmann, Houts, Balz, Gorski-Bunkelman

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Wood Co., Wis.) 30 Mar. 2008 P 2A C. 1

Bunkelman, Gerald A. (18 Feb. 1938 - 29 Mar. 2008)

Gerald A. "Russ" Bunkelman, 70, of Athens, died Saturday, March 29, 2008, in the Critical Care Unit at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield. Services are pending. The Maurina/Schilling Funeral Home of Abbotsford is assisting the family with arrangements.

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Wood Co., Wis.) 31 Mar. 2008

ATHENS -- Gerald A. "Russ" Bunkelman, 70, of Athens passed away Saturday, March 29, 2008, in the Critical Care Unit at Saint Joseph's Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milan. The Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will follow in Milan Public Cemetery.

The complete obituary will run in Tuesday's newspaper.

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Wood Co., Wis.) 1 Apr. 2008

ATHENS -- Gerald A. "Russ" Bunkelman, 70, of Athens passed away Saturday, March 29, 2008, in the Critical Care Unit at Saint Joseph's Hospital.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, 2008, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Milan. The Rev. Matthew Christians will officiate. Burial will follow in Milan Public Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John, James, Gary, Brian, Jeff and Timothy Bunkelman.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today at the Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford and from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church.

Russ was born to Chester and Tillie (Sunnen) Bunkelman on Feb. 18, 1938, in the town of Johnson in Marathon County. He attended school at Milan Elementary then later at Abbotsford High School. After high school, Russ helped his father on the family farm.

Russ married Janice (Kalepp) on Aug. 1, 1959, in the town of Rib Falls. They returned to the homestead, which they later purchased from Russ' father, and there they started their life together on the same farm where Russ was born and raised. Together they raised their three children, Russell, Cindy and Jacalyn. Russ loved many things in life, including tractor pulling, traveling, snowmobiling, making maple syrup and simply enjoying life in general. He also enjoyed spending time with his family including his nine grandchildren.

Russ is survived by his loving wife Janice of 48 years, and his children, Russell (Sherri) Bunkelman of Athens, Cindy (Cory) Hoffmann of Stratford and Jacalyn (Bob) Houts of Edgar; his nine grandchildren, Taylor and Hayden Houts, Tony and Tanner Balz, Cole Hoffmann, Brandon, Garett and Macey Bunkelman and Clifford Gorski-Bunkelman.

He is further survived by three brothers, Lloyd (the late Carmeletta) Bunkelman of Athens, Bernard (the late Nancy) Bunkelman of Edgar and Duane (Darlene) Bunkelman of Marshfield. Russ also is survived by many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister.

"When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little -- but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It's all part of the Master's plan. A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me -- but let me go!"

Biographical Information

Social Security Record

Name: Gerald Bunkelman
Birth Date: 18 February 1938
Social Security Number: 399-40-4866
Place of Issuance: Wisconsin
Last Residence: Marathon, Wisconsin
Zip Code of Last Residence: 54411
Death Date : 29 March 2008
Estimated Age at Death: 70