Published on May 30, 2025 3:03 pm
Last Updated on May 30, 2025 3:03 pm
Carol F. Buenker, 84, peacefully passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 at her home in Teutopolis, surrounded by her loving children, who will miss her dearly.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Teutopolis, with burial following in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Effingham Meals on Wheels or Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Carol was born June 1, 1940 in Grove Township, the daughter of Lawrence and Dorothy (Bergbower) Meinhart. She married Edward J. Buenker on October 28, 1961 at St. Joseph Church in Island Grove. He preceded her in death in 2006. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and a lifelong member of St. Francis Council of Catholic Women.
Carol was a devoted wife and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She worked at the Glove Factory in Newton and was an expert seamstress. She was an avid gardener and canner who also enjoyed baking. Carol loved tending to her flower beds and was known for her beautiful flowers. Carol also devoted many hours volunteering at The Cross at the Crossroads, Catholic Charities, and Meals on Wheels.
Surviving are daughters, Janice Miller of Watson, Linda (Jim) Ross of Effingham, Anita (Steve) Wendt of Lucas, Texas, Pam (Paul) Doyle of Moweaqua, Beth (Ben) Koester of Green Creek; grandchildren, Ashley (Nick) Martin, Ali (Bob) Clark, Samantha and Sydney Wendt, Mackenzie and Avery Doyle, Noah, Adrienne, Rylyn and Adley Koester; great-grandchildren, Alaina, Charlee and Cora Martin, and Logan Clark; step-grandchildren, Lauren (Josh) Wohltman, James Christopher Ross, and Emilee Ross; step-great-grandchildren, Samuel and Aspen Wohltman, and Robert Ross; and brother, Daniel (Mary) Meinhart of Island Grove.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward; son, Gary; infant daughter, Kimberly; son-in-law, Charlie Miller; and sister, Jane Hewing.