A Celebration of Life Service for Hildegard Bunge, age 97, of Welcome, was held on Monday, July 24, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Welcome, Minnesota with Pastor Wayne Fritzinger and Pastor Brian Wohlhuter officiating .
Hildegard Sophia Bunge was born January 13, 1926, to Rev. John H. and Edna Sophia (Fruechte) Bunge in Pleasant Prairie Township, Martin County, Minnesota. She graduated from Glencoe High School in 1940. Hildegard then continued her education at St. Cloud Teachers College, graduating in 1948. After graduation, she started teaching girls physical education and health at Windom High School in 1950. She coached volleyball and other girls’ sports while in Windom, retiring in 1981. Hildegard was a pioneer in girl sports in southwestern Minnesota. She was named to District 7 Coaches Hall of Fame, State Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame, and the MN State High School League Hall of Fame.
Along with her sister, Marion, they attended the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, the 1967 Pan Am games in Winnipeg, and they toured England, Europe, and China. They worked with Habitat for Humanity in Mississippi and Martin County. They valued their time together- traveling, walking, swimming, gardening, family reunions in Eitzen, Minnesota, sewing quilts at church and many other church activities. Together, they built a wooden canoe and enjoyed using it.
Survivors include nieces, Rita (Mark) Sagehorn of Northrop, Lisa (Greg) Wohlhuter of Welcome, and Paula (Brad) Zielske of Grand Forks, North Dakota; and other relatives.
Hildegard was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edna Bunge; twin sister Marion; brother Jonathan; sister-in-law Colleen Bunge; niece Monica Bunge; and other relatives and friends.
The family would like to express their thanks for the care she received while she was at Goldfinch.
Arrangements are under the care of the LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson. Condolences and memories of Hildegard may be sent online to www.lacannefuneralhome.com.
Blessed be the memory of Hildegard Sophia Bunge.
