Sandra "Bunny" Van Cuyk

Sandra “Bunny” Van Cuyk, age 74, of Hilbert, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family.

Bunny was born on April 7, 1942 in Hilbert, daughter of the late William and Dorothy (Malamphy) Vollmer.  She was a graduate of Hilbert High School and was a proud supporter of the Hilbert Wolves.  On September 28, 1963, she married Gerald “Jerry” Van Cuyk.  Once her kids were all in school, she joined the working world until retirement from Thiel Cheese in 2014.  Her passion in life was to help all others before herself.  This included the caring for her sister Chickie for many years. Chickie was the Shamrock in her eyes and the joy in her heart . Bunny also would visit nursing homes and assisted living centers, making meals for families, and volunteering at the New Hope Center.  She loved to dress in her Easter Bunny suit for the Easter holiday and hop around spreading Easter cheer to all.  Bunny was very proud of her Irish Heritage and shared it with friends and family throughout the years.   She also enjoyed watching the Golden Girls and game shows.  Spending time with Jerry going on bus trips, Packer games, and being at their Cabin in Mountain were a few of her favorite things to do.  In her younger years she enjoyed bowling and snowmobiling with Jerry and their friends and going to Country Music Festivals with her daughters.

Bunny is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jerry; their daughters: Doreen (Tim) Kleist, Connie (Doug) Daniels, Kris (Randy) Baeten, and Pam Van Cuyk; 8 grandchildren: Chad Kleist and fiancée Julie, Ben (Courtney) Kleist, Cassie Kleist and special friend Luke, Daryl Kleist, Jessica (John) Westphal, Justin Schmitt, Michael (Genna) Schmitt, Stephanie Baeten, Rachel Baeten, and Jerin Van Cuyk; 4 great-grandchildren: Christopher, Chase, Mazzie, and Dechlan; one sister and brother-in-law: Margie (Bob) Gosz; one brother and sister-in-law: Robert (Julie) Vollmer; two brothers-in-law: Casey (Elaine) Van Cuyk and Leroy Van Cuyk and special friend Ruth; three sisters-in-law: Jo Ann (Vern) Roepcke, Rosie Thiel, and Mary (Dennis) Arts; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Carmen and Colleen “Chickie” Vollmer, in-laws: Francis Van Cuyk and Bob Thiel, and other relatives.

Funeral Mass will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial is Rev. Timothy Brandt.  Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hilbert.

Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Nurses and Staff of St. Elizabeth’s 2nd floor ICU and Critical Care Units. They treated her like they would their own mother, with respect and dignity.  We would also like to thank Calumet County Hospice for helping us with her last request of being home surrounded by family during her final hours.

Until we meet again mom we love you!!!  Jerry, Doreen, Connie, Kris & Pam