Genevieve “Gen” A. Bunkers, 98, of Dell Rapids, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015. Her Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2015 in St. Mary Catholic Church. Interment will be in the St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2015. The Catholic Daughters Rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. Family will be present at 4:00 p.m. and the Christian Wake Service begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Kahler Funeral Home chapel. Condolences may be left at www.kahlerfh.com.
Genevieve Bunkers was born to A.W. and Libby Mansheim on Dec. 13, 1916 at Colome, SD. After graduating from Colome High School in 1934, she attended Nettleton Commercial College in Sioux Falls. She worked in the insurance business for 7 years. Gen married Joe Bunkers on June 29, 1942. As she would say, “God blessed us with 7 wonderful children.” They lived on a farm west of Dell Rapids and were active members of St.. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Huntimer. Gen taught religious education for 9 years and also served as a member of the St. Joseph’s Altar Society. In 1971, Joe passed away. Gen moved from the farm to Dell Rapids in 1979 and became an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 2001, she moved to Orchard Hills.
Gen was a member of the Catholic Daughers and the Presentation Cojourners for over 25 years. She was active in Friendship Bible Coffee since 1977, serving as a Guide and a Coordinator for many years. She also joined the Cursillo in 1977.
Fondly known as Granny B, she was the mother of 7, grandmother of 20 and great-grandmother of 42. She was a friend to all, devout, humble, energetic, inspiring, prayerful and lovingly persistant in her desire to share her faith. Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Mary Jane (Bill) Winter, Cottage Grove, MN; Roger (Bernice) Bunkers, Westbrook, MN; Bill Bunkers (fiance’ Nancy Dineson), Dell Rapids, SD; Dale (Rita) Bunkers, Chester, SD; Joann (Gary) LaCompte, Tyndal, SD; Tom (Linda) Bunkers, Dell Rapids, SD; Theresa Bunkers (Chris) Lawson, Faribault, MN; her grand-children; her great-grandchildren; many other relatives and special friends.
Gen died peacefully on September 20, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; grandsons, Joel and Gus; daugher-in-law, Barb; Kathy Healy; brothers Elmer Mansheim and Bob Mansheim; and sister Mildred Brychta.
Grateful for having shared her life are her children: Mary Jane (Bill) Winter, Cottage Grove, MN; Roger (Bernice) Bunkers, Westbrook, MN; Bill Bunkers (fiance’ Nancy Dineson), Dell Rapids, SD; Dale (Rita) Bunkers, Chester, SD; Joann (Gary) LaCompte, Tyndal, SD; Tom (Linda) Bunkers, Dell Rapids, SD; Theresa Bunkers (Chris) Lawson, Faribault, MN; her grand-children; her great-grandchildren; many other relatives and special friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to St. Mary’s Catholic School, Dell Rapids.