Elizabeth Lucille “Bette” Bauernfeind

Elizabeth Lucille “Bette” Bauernfeind, 94, formerly of Madison, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021. She was surrounded by family at her home at Country Gardens in Medford. Visitation will take place at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. Additional visitation will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave., Madison.

Bette was born on Aug. 4, 1927, the daughter of Joseph Ulmen and Lucille (Roemer) Ulmen. Her future husband, Robert Charles Bauernfeind, who preceded her in death in 2019, was born on the same day, in the same hospital in Appleton, Wis. They met for the first time 23 years later, and Bette married her “love” on May 26, 1951, in Seymour, Wis. Bette attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Green Bay, Wis.

After starting their family, Bette was a stay-at-home housewife and mother, which she truly enjoyed. They lived most of their married life in Madison, Wis. where they raised their family. She was a charter member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Madison, where she was an active member of the ladies’ guild, sang in the church choir, and was a religion teacher for many years. She loved baking and to cook homemade meals for her family. She was a wonderful seamstress and loved sewing for and sharing her talents with her family. Her hobbies included birdwatching and gardening. But, most of all, she enjoyed traveling, dancing, and listening to music with Bob. Bette enjoyed spending her last 4 years living in Medford, with her daughter and family and then at Country Gardens in Medford.

Bette is survived by her 4 children, Mark (Jo), Rose (John) Bottensek, Paul, and Mary (Gary) Sperry; 6 loving grandchildren, Joshua (Jennah) Bauernfeind, Lance (Amber) Vest, Jessica, Matthew, Alex, and Amanda Sperry; and great-grandson, Keenen Vest. She is also survived by 4 sisters, Mary Geenen, Sr. Rose Ulmen, Helen Tillotson, and Dorothy Ulmen; and many nieces; nephews; and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bob; parents; 3 brothers, Joe, Bob, and Jim Ulmen; 1 sister, Margaret Cooney; 3 brothers-in-law, Joe Geenen, Steven Cooney, and Don Miller; 3 sisters-in-law, Dorothy Ulmen, Irma Ulmen, and Jean (Bauernfeind) Miller; several nieces and nephews; and extended family.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all of those who provided their loving care to Bette throughout the last years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hope Hospice in Medford or to St. Peter Catholic Church, Madison. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Paid Obituary 113064