Faye Keuneke

Faye Ann Keuneke, 78, of Decatur was called home to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Adams Woodcrest in Decatur surrounded by her family. She was born October 7, 1943, in Decatur to Alton C. and Alice M. “Sally” Bittner. She was married September 1, 1962, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preble to Robert E. “Bob” Keuneke. They were blessed with nearly 56 years together before he passed away.
She graduated from Monmouth High School and Fort Wayne Commercial College. She was instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the family farm. One of her most influential roles was being a grandma. She babysat daily for all 17 of her grandchildren while they were growing up in her home. Most times a good book was always in reach.
Over the years, she has spent endless hours tending her large garden and caring for their small orchard. Along with that came the task of canning and freezing produce that she did yearly. Her cooking was something that many looked forward to. Additionally, she always seemed to have cookies in the freezer. She and her husband played very instrumental roles in their grandchildren’s lives and always supported them in all of their life journeys.
She is survived by three daughters, Rhonda (Jim) Brune; and Suzie (Brian) Steiner, both of Decatur; and Marcy Gilbert of Spring Hill, Tennessee; two sons, Rob (Candy) Keuneke; and Jeff (Ashlee) Keuneke, both of Decatur; brother, Ron Bittner of Marion, Iowa; 17 grandchildren, Dr. Ashley (Tim) McFarlane; Alex Steiner; Zack (Danielle) Brune; Kacey (Blake) Fuelling; Megan (Brandon Brown) Sloffer; Ben (Olivia) Steiner; Kylee (Zach) Pearson; Brittany (Ben) Farmer; Bobby (Katie) Keuneke; Spencer (Chantelle Hyatt) Gilbert; Josh (Ivy Kurgan) Brune; Samuel Steiner; Alyssa Brune; Colton Gilbert; Maddie (Nathan Barney) Steiner; Lanae Gilbert; and Eli Steiner; and 23 great-grandchildren, Alice McFarlane; Emmelene McFarlane; Eleanora McFarlane; George McFarlane; Alanna Martinez; Orlando Martinez; Charisma Martinez; Nevaeh Martinez; Xadrian Brune; Braelle Brune; Andi Sloffer; Jordan Sloffer; Sampson Farmer; Teddy Farmer; Skyler Steiner; Keaton Steiner; Charlotte Fuelling; Vivienne Fuelling; Kollins Fuelling; Liam Pearson; Noah Pearson; Owen Pearson; and Evelyn Keuneke.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on May 23, 2018; brother, Frank Bittner; and great-granddaughter, Nora Keuneke.
Visitation will be 12-5 p.m. Sunday, March 20 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Monday, March 21 followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Preble. Officiating will be Pastor Andrew Yeager. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Robert & Faye Keuneke ACCF Scholarship Fund; Cal Farley Boys & Girls Ranch, or Worship Anew.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.