Edward Carl Bunke went into the arms of Jesus on May 17, 2024 at the age of 96. Edward was born on Dec. 11, 1927 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the son of the late Edward and Olga (Mahnke) Bunke. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Sheboygan and graduated from Central High School in 1945. After graduation, Edward served in the U.S. Army in Japan. On June 24, 1950 he married the love of his life, the former Elaine G. Grupe. Mr. Bunke worked as a U.S. Postal Clerk for more than 30 years, retiring in 1991. He was a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church. He tirelessly served on their Board of Parish Education, Board of Trustees and Elders and taught Sunday School for more than 40 years. He enjoyed singing in Immanuel’s A Cappella Choir, playing on their dartball team as well as assisting with many other church activities. Edward and Elaine loved to be with family and with their many friends. They enjoyed concerts and plays as well as their frequent travels across America and to Europe.
Edward is survived by his loving wife of almost 74 years, two children—Janet (Rev. Shirrel) Petzoldt of Holland, Ohio and James (Connie) Bunke of Sebewaing, Michigan. They were blessed with four grandchildren—Joy (Christopher) Hansell of Jackson, Michigan, Andrew (Alyssa) Petzoldt of Grand Haven, Michigan, Christopher (Sunshine) Bunke of Houston, Texas and Jessica Bunke of Sebewaing, Michigan. Beloved great-grandchildren include Jonathan Hansell, Victory Bunke and Valor Bunke. Edward is also survived by his sister, Lois Moehrke of Sheboygan and niece Kathy (William) Ickstadt of Mondovi, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lillian Bunke, mother and father-in-law Dorothea and Elmer Grupe and nephew Timothy Moehrke.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 25 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Rev. Donald Johnson, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be held in Lutheran Cemetery. A time of visitation and support will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on May 25 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon.
A memorial fund has been established in his name for Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sheboygan and Good Shepherd of the Deaf Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
