Obituaries

Audrey June Kunstman

June 21, 1929 - January 27, 2023

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Obituary For Audrey June Kunstman

VERONA - Audrey June (Brekke) Kunstman passed away peacefully on January 27, 2023. She was born on June 21,1929 to Lars and Borghild Brekke and grew up on a farm near Deerfield and graduated from Deerfield High School. In 1947 she met Bob Kunstman, a young Navy vet, at a dance at Edwards Park and they later married on July 6, 1947. They settled in Verona and started their family. As the kids grew, Audrey worked at the Associated Physicians Verona office, and later for the Wisconsin DNR for 25+ years.

Audrey and Bob had several places on Lake Wisconsin, eventually retiring to a home in Merrimac, then moving to a condo in Okee. They were avid boaters and snowmobilers, and had friends who were very close for many years. The stories of their antics will live on for years. Many laughs and lots of love. Audrey was a fabulous cook and welcoming hostess who loved to entertain. She was a woman of strong faith who was very active in her church until her health started to decline. She sang in the St James choir for many years. She was a member of the 8 O'Clock Callers, a circle of close friends who played euchre every month for 70 years, and was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for 75 years. Audrey and Bob were married for 60 years. After his passing, she developed a close friendship with Keith Simmons and they had many wonderful times and travels together. Audrey was a proud Norwegian and enjoyed two trips back to Norway to reconnect with relatives there. Her last trip back was shared with her daughter and granddaughter, and they made memories that would last a lifetime.

She was our mother, Granny, and Great-Granny, our matriarch, a kind and loving lady. She is survived by her son, Tom (Vikki) Kunstman, daughter Karen (Vince) Weiland, grandchildren Erin (Derrick) Ellefson, Ben (Vicky) Weiland, and Jonathan (April) Kunstman. She is further survived by great grandchildren Mackenzie, Teagan, Mason, Xander, Lilliana, Torsten and Audrey Jean. She is also survived by several nephews and a niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Dale and Marian, husband Bob, special friend Keith, and granddaughter Lisa Marie. The family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Amy Fothergill and the nursing staff at Associated Physicians, and to Ingleside and Agrace Hospice for the kind and heartfelt care given to Mom in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. James Lutheran Church, Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, Wi 53711, American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 385, 205 Thompson Street, Verona 53593, or a charity of your choice.

Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at St. James Lutheran Church, 427 S. Main Street, Verona. A visitation will be held from 9:30 AM until time of service on Saturday at the church.

Mange tusen takk, Mom. Skol, Audrey!

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services Verona Chapel 220 Enterprise Drive 608-845-6625

Services

4 Feb

Visitation

09:30 AM - 11:00 AM

St. James Lutheran Church 423 S. Main Street Verona, Wi 53593 Get Directions »
4 Feb

Funeral Service

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

St. James Lutheran Church 423 S. Main Street Verona, Wi 53593 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • February 04, 2023

    Audrey Kunstman was member of the Martha Circle in St. John's in Prairie Du Sac. We all loved Audrey very much. Before that, I had first met her in the Senior Bowling League. I kept inviting her to join my circle and then with the help of Violet Pfaff (who she met while serving on Jury Duty) we finally convinced Audrey to join the circle and I know she was happy she did. She was a delightful person and it was always a pleasure to be around her. We have missed her since she moved back to Verona. - Ruth Dresser

  • February 02, 2023

    Karen and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Audrey's passing. She was a beautiful and kind lady. I cherish so many memories of her, your Dad and Lake Wisconsin. I can still hear our parent's laughter. We are thinking of you. Love Kay and Tom Kohlman.

  • February 01, 2023

    My sincere condolences to Audrey's family. I haven't seen Audrey in many years, but I remember she and Bob very fondly. I met them when I was a bartender at the Old Unicorn in Middleton. Bob and Dick Taylor were frequent visitors after work at UW Provisions. Through those times I met Audrey. I remember one Saturday helping Bob and Audrey move from Verona(?) to a cottage on Lake Wisconsin. A beverage or two were included with the event and they introduced me to Aquavit. Yikes! Audrey and Bob were such good people. I have thought of them often over the years and it always brought a smile to my face. The world was better place because of Audrey and Bob.

  • February 01, 2023

    Our deepest sympathy to Audrey's family. I have several wonderful memories of Audrey with my Uncle Keith Simmons and visiting with them over the years. Audrey was such a special lady. My mom adored her and was so thankful that Uncle Keith had someone to travel with to ball games and adventures. We just lost my mom (Keith's sister, Polly) on December 8th, so know how hard it is to say goodbye to your mother. I am sorry that we never met her children, but have heard many stories from Audrey and Keith's family on how wonderful you all are. Sending our love and again condolences at this difficult time. Doug & Sheila Kelly (Keith's niece and Goddaughter) Darlington, WI

  • February 01, 2023

    My sympathy to the family of Audrey as I remember all the years I assisted her with her banking in Sauk City until she moved to Verona! MARY KRAEMER

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