Charlotte Bunke

Gracious Father, You have prepared a place for all who believe in You. Remind us that death is not a frightening experience, but a homecoming with joy and thanksgiving. Assure us of Your promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us pray with Simeon: "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; from my eyes have seen Your salvation" (Luke 2:29-30)

My name is Charlotte V. Bunke, and the good Lord has called me to my heavenly home on 1/3/2026. I was born in Oshkosh, WI on a sunny winters day on December 17, 1927, to Tillie and Ray Grundman. I was raised and educated in Oshkosh and graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1945. After school I was employed at The Buckstaff Company as an executive secretary. I had taken the Civil Service typing test back in the day and scored 95 words per minute with zero errors. Yes, I was quite fast and very accurate!

In 1946 I met my future husband, Robert "Bob" Bunke, a tall dark haired handsome guy, we dated and eventually got married in September of 1948. In 1950 we were blessed with a baby boy, Ronald. However, in 1951, Bob got called back into active service in the Navy for the Korean conflict, so we packed up a one-year-old and all our belongings and moved cross country to Seattle, Washington, where Bob was station. We survived on naval housing and moved back to Oshkosh in 1953 and bought a new house on Hazel Street, which proved to be an excellent place to raise our family. Close to schools and the neighborhood grew to have many lifelong friends. In 1955 we were once again blessed with another son, Gary. Over the years we took many vacations from California to Florida and numerous places in between. Once the boys were older, I went back to work, first as an office manager for The Rutledge Advertising Agency, then into editorial management for Diesel Catalog, getting to work with various printing companies in the area. From there I ventured into the medical field, learning all sorts of new terminology working with Dr. Petersik. During those years I was active in the Westhaven golf league and the Shoreview bowling league. Never had a hole-in-one or 300 game, but always enjoyed the sport in the camaraderie.

Once Bob retired we travelled throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, enjoying many winter months in Florida avoiding the harsh Wisconsin winters. For our 65th wedding anniversary, Ron and his wife Kay, and Gary and his wife Jan had the most fantastic wedding celebration for us, with a barbershop Quartet, (Bob sang in barbershoppers for years), karaoke, as the boys both have wonderful voices and so many friends that we had not seen in years. It was truly a magical day! Bob and I had several more years of marriage, making it to 72 years before he finally passed in 2021. Not really wanting to live alone, Ron and Kay graciously invited me to come live with them, which I did for 3 years. In November 2024 I moved in with Gary and Jan in their home in Waupaca and was able to stay with them until my health diminish and I had to move into Park Vista here in Waupaca.

I did not have a large family, but most certainly a loving and caring one, for which I am thankful. My oldest son, Ronald, (Ron), and his wife, Kay, my youngest son, Gary, and his wife Jan. Grandchildren Brielle Meisel, husband, Jamie, Brannon Bunke[deceased], Jeff Bunke, wife, Megan. Step grandchildren-Chad Bauldry, wife Shelli, Chris Jacobson, significant other Kelly. Great grandchildren - Abby, Evan, Avianna, Eisley, Hailey, and Anna Leah.

A memorial service for me is being held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes (100 Lake Pointe Dr) on January 23, 2026 at 11AM. some time to visit with my family will be from 10AM until the service time. After the service I will be laid to rest at Lake View Memorial Park.

My earthly vessel is gone now, know that I loved you all dearly and I know I will remain in your hearts and minds for eternity. I will see you all again when the good Lord calls you to your everlasting heavenly home. Enjoy your life as I did mine. Know that I will watch over you from above and will always be with you.

With much love,

Charlotte