Judith E. Buntrock, nee Kabke, age 69, of West Bend, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2011, after a nearly year-long battle with cancer.
Judy was born on November 10, 1941 in Oshkosh, WI to George and Margaret (nee Rutz) Kabke. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Judy taught second grade at LaMesa Elementary in Lompoc, CA from 1963-1965, Barton Elementary in West Bend from 1965-1968, and St. John's Lutheran School in West Bend from 1978 until her retirement in 2007.
Judy enjoyed giving of her time and talents to many committees and projects at St. John's as well as volunteering at the Full Shelf Food Pantry. She loved children, dogs, music, chocolate, and laughter. After retirement, she enjoyed attending concerts, Brewer games, visiting with friends, and traveling with her family and dear friend, Warren Schwandt, who preceded her in death earlier this year.
Judy is survived by her mother, Margaret Kabke of Oshkosh; her daughter, Sara (Arron) Decker of Grayslake, IL; sisters, Joan (Michael) Campbell of Fort Atkinson and Debbie (John) Wenninger of Briarcliff, NY; nieces, Heidi (Don) Gottschalk of Sheboygan, Jennifer (Allen) Weber of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Laura Wenninger of Briarcliff, NY, and Kathryn (James) Calvert of Stratford, CT; brothers-in-law, Albert (Nancy) Buntrock of Belgium, WI and Art Rohwer of T&C NM; dear friends, Lois (Marty) Knoll of West Bend and Barb (Bob) Laubenstein of Jackson; many other beloved friends and family members, including her long time neighbor, friend, and hospice nurse, Warren Williams of West Bend.
She is preceded in death by her father, George Kabke; her former husband, who remained her friend, Richard Buntrock; her parents-in-law, Albert and Ida Buntrock; and a sister-in-law, Verna Rohwer.
A memorial service in remembrance of Judy will be held on Tuesday, October 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend, with long time family friend, Rev. Jason Coulter, presiding. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service.
Memorials in Judy's name to the Full Shelf Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1157, West Bend, WI 53095 are appreciated by the family.
Judy was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, friend, aunt and teacher. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, kind heart, unforgettable style and strength of spirit. Judy's daughter Sara Decker may be reached at 847 848 0017 or sarabdecker@gmail.com.
Online guestbook and condolences may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com