Ethel Bunke

Ethel Bunke, 79 of Rushford, died Saturday, November 24, 2012 at home surrounded by her family.Ethel was born February 4, 1933 in Money Creek to James and Geneva (Johnson) McElmury. On April 24, 1948, she married Wilton Bunke at Rushford Lutheran Church. Ethel was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, its Ladies Aid and a Sunday School teacher.Ethel was a loving wife and mother of 9 children. She loved to cook and take care of her family. It was a priority to raise her children with a strong Christian faith. Ethel worked side by side with Willy on the farms, and at Bunke Sales. Their love endures forever and her laughter will be missed by all.She is survived by her husband, Wilton of 64 years, children, Susan (John) Magnuson of Rushford, Donald (Lila) of Rushford, Duane (Ingrid) of Rushford, Kathryn (Larry) Eide of Rushford, Cindy (Jim) Severson of Plainview, Nancy (David) Brommerich of Winona and Terry (Richard) Crandall of Scales Mound, IL; 32 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren for a total of 99 and counting; brother, Lyle (Bonnie) McElmury of St. Cloud; and several nieces and nephews.Ethel is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald McElmury; 2 sons, Richard & Ronald; granddaughter, JoNelle Bunke and great-grandson, Jackson Schneider.Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church with Reverend Merlin Stephan officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Cemetery in Hart. Following the funeral, a meal will be served at the American Legion in Rushford. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m., Monday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service in Rushford and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Mark's Little Lambs Preschool.