Bernice E. Punke

Bernice E. Punke 94, Edgar, died Wednesday, August 25, 2010 at Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield. She was born December 21, 1915 in Chicago, Illinois, daughter of the late Nicholas and Hattie (Mau) Alther. On September 18, 1935, she married John Punke in Goodrich, Wis., he preceded her in death on January 16, 1986. Among her favorite pastimes, she enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, gardening, bird watching and baking homemade bread and other goods. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Survivors include, seven children, Leonard (Nancy) Punke, Stratford, Raymond (Linda) Punke, Stratford, Dorothy (Gerald) Bauman, Chippewa Falls, James (Carol) Punke, Newton, Wis., Betty (Steve) Knetter, Edgar, Kenneth Punke, Stratford and Elsie Punke, Stratford; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; one sister, Evelyn Siewert, Green Bay; one sister-in-law, Helen Wendt, Wausau; and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents and husband, John, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Elmer Punke; her son, Hilbert Punke at age 19; one grandson, Ardell Punke; one granddaughter, Mary Knetter; one grandson-in-law, Todd Harmeling; one sister, Dorothy Adelt; and four brothers, Willard, Harvey, LeRoy and Edward Alther. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28, 2010 at St. Stephen Ev. Lutheran Church, Edgar. Rev. LaDonna Ekern will officiate. Burial will be in the Edgar Cemetery. Friends may call Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com