Betty Ann Bunkelman

Betty Ann Bunkelman, 94, of Athens, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Athenian Living in Athens, under the care of St. Croix Hospice. She was born near Dorchester, Wisconsin, on May 6, 1932, to the late Otto and Irene Kalepp.

On August 5, 1950, Betty was united in marriage to Harold “Wimp” Bunkelman at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens. Together, they farmed for 31 years and built a life centered around family, faith, and hard work. Harold preceded her in death on September 9, 2005. Betty later married Ken Scheffler, who preceded her in death in 2021.

Betty was a woman who found joy in the simple things that made life meaningful. She spent many years working alongside Harold as a dairy wife, caring for their home and family while helping with the demands of farm life. After they moved off the farm, she worked in food services for 18 years at Athens High School, where she enjoyed being around the students and community. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, member of Trinity Ladies Aid, various card clubs, The Red Hat Society, and Bible Study.

While Betty was proud of the life she had built, her greatest joy was her family. She treasured time spent together around the table, sharing meals, stories, laughter, and memories. She loved being with her grandchildren and was happiest when her family was gathered around her; especially when at the Bunkelman Shack. She also enjoyed playing cards and the fellowship that came with it. Her warmth, generosity, and love for her family will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her children, Jonathan (Jane) Bunkelman, Carolyn (Eddie) Heier, Richard (Mary) Bunkelman, Kathleen (Ken) Ahrens, Kelly (Lois) Bunkelman, Sandra Betzner, and Nicolas (Annette) Bunkelman; grandchildren: Nicole (Steve), Heather (Tim), Randalyn (Thomas), Nathan (Lindsey), Jenna (Matt), Kevin (Trevor), Alan, Autumn, Steve (Jessica), Suzanne (Brandon), Sabrina (Dylan), Brian (Heather), Miranda (Ben), Samantha (Brandon), Ty, and Eli (Mya); great-grandchildren: Rylee (Jordon), Colton (Megan), Emma, Kenton (Noemi), Kian, Alexander, Logan, Levi, Liam, Edison, Veda, Nikola, Blake, Brendon, Sienna, Addyson, Emmerson, Aubrey, Preston, Elliot, Alayna, Everhett, Callen, Ariya, Matthew and baby girl Bunkelman on the way; great-great-grandchildren: Kasen, Adaline, and Vincent; her sister, Janice Houts; sister-in-law, Karen Kalepp; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harold “Wimp” Bunkelman and Ken Scheffler; her parents, Otto and Irene Kalepp; stepmother, Florence Kalepp; brother, James Kalepp; sisters, Nancy Bunkelman and Elvera Kulas; brothers-in-law Bernard Bunkelman, Dave Kulas, Russ Bunkelman, and Al Houts; great-grandson Declan Hertel and grandson Steven Stelzl.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, with Rev. Mark Schwarz officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am and continue until the time of service at the church. Entombment will be in the Memorial Chapel Mausoleum at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau.

The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at St. Croix Hospice and Athenian Living for the compassionate and tender care they provided to Betty and her family.

Betty leaves behind a family who will miss her deeply, but who will carry with them the many memories she helped create—family gatherings, shared meals, card games, laughter, and the countless ordinary moments that became precious simply because she was there. Her love will continue through the generations of family she cherished so dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran School.