Theodora “Teddy” Elaine Bunting age 74 of rural Westbrook passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016 at her home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 15 at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Visitation is 4:00-7:00 p.m. Monday at the Westbrook Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. Burial is in Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Rose Hill Township. Memorials are preferred to Emmanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, or Shetek Lutheran Ministries. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice.com. Stephens Funeral Service – Westbrook Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Theodora “Teddy” Elaine Bunting was born April 21, 1941 to Theodore and Marion (Edwards) Caswell in Westbrook, Minnesota. Teddy was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church by Rev. L.B. Brakke in Westbrook, and graduated from Westbrook Public School. She was married to Robert Howard Bunting on September 26, 1959. The couple made their home on a farm southeast of Westbrook where they raised four sons. They were members of Emmanuel Lutheran Rose Hill Church, where she was active in the women’s group, directed the youth choir, taught Sunday School, and served as the first woman on the church council. When Rose Hill Lutheran Church closed, they became members of Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook. Teddy was a homemaker and a farm wife, helping out as she was needed, and also did some retail work and waitressing. She was a member of the “Sweet Adelines” in Windom for many years. Teddy enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards, and watching their sons and grandchildren participate in horse shows, sports, and dance. They enjoyed spending winters in Ocala, Florida for 26 years where they made new friends, went to flea markets, and took part in many activities in the area. Teddy also spent some time working as a bank teller and working at several Ocala horse farms in accounting and secretarial positions. Teddy will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Teddy is survived by her husband Robert of Westbrook; 4 sons: Brett of Mayflower, AR, Tony (Debra) of Westbrook, Kent (Rachael) of Jeffers, and Dean of LaPuente, CA; grandchildren: Stephanie (Austin) Clowers and Courtney; Justin (Lindsey); Jordan (Nellie), Dylan and Taylor; Tanner (Bailey), Isabel, Tristen Wenisch; 3 great-grandsons: Jackson Pilgreen, Brody Bunting, and Grayson Porter Clowers; brother Charles Caswell of Westbrook; sister Luann (Dennis) VanderPloeg of St. Louis, MO; and brothers-in-law Arvin (Sue) Cohrs of Westbrook, Voyne (Diane) Bunting of Dundee, and Jim (Arla) Tammeus of Nebraska. She is preceded in death by her parents; sister Shirley and husband Vandell Anderson, sister Janet Cohrs, and sisters-in-law Lynda Caswell and Leah Tammeus, and father and mother-in-law Howard and Mildred Bunting.
Blessed be the memory of Teddy Bunting.
A huge loss in the community, Teddy was such a strong woman! Fond memories of her and her peacocks, the horses, and her never ending love of her family. She will surely be missed. To Bob and the boys: You have mine and LeeLand’s deepest sympathies, wish we could be there to show our respects. Teddy is and has been a one of a kind lady!
LeeLand and Jayne (Cowan) Mischke
To Bob & family my deepest heartfelt sympathy is sent your way at this most difficult time.
Bob, our sympathy to you and family.
Our sympathy to Bob, and family. Teddy was quite a lady, and cousin Dot always came to see her when Dot was here. Dot is gone now too. When our Tammy died, we established a scholarship in her name, and each Christmas we give memorials to it, and will remember Teddy at that time, the visiting, bowling, time spent with her sister, Janet, her her appreciation of a good joke, so many good memories for all of us. God bless the memory of Teddy, with love,
Roger and Carolyn Benson
My deepest sympathy to Bob and family. Teddy was always so much fun, loved to visit, and was always very upbeat. I loved singing for many years with her, and then the many visits in the years since then. I hold many memories of her very dear and will for years to come. May memories comfort you today and in the days ahead.
Teddy was a special friend and classmate (class of ’59 ). Visited the farm many times when our kids were small. Her meal prep, caring for her boys, gardening and being “on call” for farm duties, made my living in town pretty low key. She will always have a special place I my hear. Condolences to Bob and “her Boys”.
Deepest Sympathy in the loss of Teddy! Prayers are with your family! Mary and family.
Teddy was one of the most courageous, upbeat women I have ever known. She and my Ronnie had a lot in common with their oxygen deficiencies. Now, neither has to carry around their oxygen any more! They are probably rejoicing together at the throne of God, praising Him for release from their earthly challenges. Teddy accomplished many things in her lifetime, and she will be long remembered for her kind, generous personality. I will be thinking of you with prayers in the coming years, Bob! May you cherish the memories of all your good times in FL and in MN with Teddy.