Dorothy Paula (Schriefer) Punke

Dorothy Paula Punke, 93, died March 11, 2021 at Benedictine Living Community in Wausau, WI. She was born on July 29, 1927, the daughter of Martin and Elsa (Becker) Schriefer.

She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, WI. She attended Trinity Lutheran School.  After graduating from Athens High School in May 1944, she was employed as a typist at Employers Mutual Insurance Co. in Wausau, WI.  She attended Valparaiso University, IN for one year and continued her nursing education at Milwaukee Lutheran Hospital graduating as an RN in 1949. She worked at the same hospital until 1950.

On August 19, 1950, Dorothy was united in marriage to Harold Punke at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens. Their sermon text was, “Commit thy way unto the Lord – Trust also in Him and he will bring it to pass.” Harold preceded her in death on May 19, 2016. They were married for 66 years.

Dorothy's highest priorities in life were always her Faith, her Family, and her Friends.

They resided at the family dairy farm in Athens; purchased it a few years later from Harold's parents, and operated it until retirement. Besides the farm work, Dorothy was very active in her church; served as a 4-H leader; and enjoyed maintaining her large garden. She passed on her love for music to her children and taught them all to play the piano. Her musical passion filtered down to the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In her retirement years, Dorothy enjoyed walking the farm pathways in the early morning with her dog, Max, and enjoyed snowshoeing in the winter.

Survivors include three sons:  David (Mary Ann) Punke, Fox Lake, IL; Martin (Michele) Punke, Mt. Pleasant MI; John (Kathy) Punke, Athens; and Lynn (Glen) Luetschwager, Athens. There are nine grandchildren: Stephanie (Mark) Rickmeier; Molly (Ben) Sturm; Rachel Punke (Trent Friske); Tyler Punke; Adam (Emily) Punke; Danny Punke; Sara (Richard) Paul; Jamie (Jason) Scott; and Jeff (Ericka) Luetschwager. She leaves 14 great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-laws: Alan and Elaine Mortenson; Richard and Lorraine Schedler; and Wallace Emmerich; and many loved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Florence Caskey and brother-in-law, Harry Caskey; infant sister, Helen Schriefer; sister-in-law, Loretta (Wallace) Emmerich; and one nephew, Randy Mortenson.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate. Burial will be in Athens Lutheran Cemetery. Social distancing protocols will be observed and masks are required for all in attendance.

Special thanks for the wonderful care Dorothy received at Benedictine Living Community all these years. Also, thanks to Pastor Mark for his special visits with Dorothy at Benedictine.

Memorials in honor of Dorothy may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, 301 Elm Street, Athens, WI  54411.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com