Betty D. (Brunker) Kluesner

BELLEVILLE-Betty D. (Brunker) Kluesner, age 87, of Belleville, went to her heavenly home on Friday, March 22, 2019 at Attic Angel Place. She was born into a large family on the family farm near Mount Horeb on Feb. 11, 1932, the daughter of John and Anna Schlimgen. It was here that she learned hard work, persistence and prioritizing family values she’d hold onto her entire life. Betty attended her first year of high school at Edgewood and later graduated from Mount Horeb High School. She worked as a “candy striper” at St. Mary’s Hospital and upon graduation worked as a stenographer for the State of Wisconsin in Madison. Dance halls were all the rage in the 50’s which is where Betty met her handsome farmer. She married Patrick “Harry” Brunker on Oct. 11, 1952. The Brunker family grew nine blessings: Steve (Sherry), Linda (Dale), Dennis (Cindy), Jeff (Maureen), Kathy (Greg), Pauline (Kent), Eileen (Robert), Pat (Sandy) and Bradley (Ruth). In 1961, the family settled near Montfort on a farmstead. As a farm wife and mother, Betty was indispensable, helping with farm chores, tending gardens, canning and sewing. Her strong faith guaranteed weekly family worship. She was an amazing baker, turning out award winning pies and homemade bread and rolls. No one went hungry around Betty, as she was a master cook as well. She worked at Bloomfield Manor as a cook and decorated beautiful birthday cakes for the residents. Life takes many turns, as did Betty’s, as she found herself a single mom returning to school at Southwest Vocational School where she inspired many by attaining high honors. Betty worked at Iowa County Head Start and later, S.W. Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission in Platteville as a program assistant. Betty was very proud of the new home and many friends she made in Montfort. She fondly remembered the ladies-over-50 softball team and bowling league she joined. In 1989, she married Kenneth Kluesner, making their home in Bloomington. They enjoyed travel adventures, with her favorite being to the Holy Land. They were very active with St. Mary’s Parish where she volunteered at the Parish school as a “grandmother’s” helper reading tutor. Betty strongly believed in education and was an avid reader. She also volunteered as a clerical aid for the Grant County Commission on Aging. Betty was a member of the Ladies Altar Society in both Montfort and Bloomington, St. Theresa Catholic Daughters and the Red Hat Society. Quilting became Betty’s passion as she fashioned incredibly beautiful works of art as gifts to loved ones. Betty enjoyed the gorgeous flower gardens that graced their yard, long phone chats with friends and family, and playing cards. She especially treasured visits with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty relocated to Belleville in 2009 where she joyously made many more family and friend memories. She leaves her earthly home and memories to her beloved nine children; 25 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and her siblings and their spouses, Leona (Linus) Rauls, Lucille Kaltenberg, Harold (Agnes) Schlimgen, Glenn (Mary Ann) Schlimgen, Jerry (Terri) Schlimgen; sisters-in-law, Grace Schlimgen and Lorraine Schlimgen; and many nieces and nephews. Betty is also survived by members of the Brunker family, Myrelle May, Rita (Phil) Frey, and members of the Kluesner family, Kenneth Kluesner, Clarence Kluesner, Jeri Kluesner, Dorothy Taylor and Ralph (Arlene) Kluesner. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Leo; siblings and in-laws, Marie (Harley) Lamberty, Helen (Eddie) Laufenberg, Paul, Roman, Leroy (Seraphine) Schlimgen and James Kaltenberg; and sons-in-law, Charles “Ben” Baker and Bob Strenz. She was also preceded in death by Brunker in-laws, Helen (Leo) Ley, Marian (Dick) Scullion, Mary (Joe) Mauger, JoAnn (Roger) Schmidt, Harry May and Frank Brunker; and Kluesner in-laws, James (Charlotte) Kluesner, Bob (Judy) Kluesner, Jack Kluesner, Alan Taylor and Joanie Kluesner. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY REDEEMER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 10070 Spring Valley Road, Mount Horeb, at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 25, 2019. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON CAMACHO FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 500 N. Eighth Street, Mount Horeb on Sunday, March 24, 2019 from 3 to 7 p.m. and at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. Gifts in her memory may be made to Attic Angel Place and Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. The family would like to thank the staff at Attic Angel Place and Agrace HospiceCare for their care and compassion, as well as Father Bart Timmerman. Having somewhere to go is home, Having someone to love is family, Having both is a blessing. Gunderson Camacho Mount Horeb Funeral & Cremation Care 500 N. 8th St. (608) 437-5077