Rita Bunke, 86, died at New Perspective in West Bend on February 27, 2026.

Rita was born on April 14, 1939 in Addison, WI to the late Math and Rose (née Pfeifer) Schaefer. She was born at home on her family’s farm during a snowstorm. Rita married Milt Bunke on April 19, 1958 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Addison, WI.

Rita worked at Enger-Kress in West Bend for many years before retiring in 2004. Rita loved her family dearly, and always thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, and gardening. Rita loved dogs, and going to the dog park to watch them play. She also loved birds, and watching them on the bird feeder outside her window. Rita was a member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend.

Rita is survived by two sons: Scott (Debbie) Bunke and Jeff (Lorie) Bunke. She is also survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Matt (Alysa Christiansen) Bunke and their sons Brooks and Hayes, Ben Bunke, Kate (Alex) Davenport and their daughter Riley, and Mitch (Carissa) Bunke and their sons Sawyer, Hudson, and Bennett.

Rita is survived by her sister Dolores Weis, her brother Roy (Margie) Schaefer, half-siblings, and nieces and nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Milt and her brother Bob Schaefer.

A Mass of Christian Burial, in celebration of Rita’s life, will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend at 11:00 a.m. Visitation with the family will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Burial will held be at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend following the mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to either of the following would be greatly appreciated by the family:

Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter

620 S. 76th Street

Suite 110

Milwaukee, WI 53214

Holy Angels Catholic Church or School

138 N. 8th Avenue

West Bend, WI 53095