Marianne Buenerkemper, 96 of Effingham, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Lakeland Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Effingham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Francis Cemetery, Teutopolis. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association or charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerfh.com.

Marianne was born on May 18, 1929 in Chicago to Edward and Dorothy Leach. She married Donald “Fuddles” Buenerkemper and he preceded her in death in 2005. She was known to her students as ‘Mrs. B,’ and her greatest pleasure was teaching at St. Anthony High School. When asked what she wanted she would say “a cup of coffee and a few kind words”.

Marianne is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Carl) Westendorf; sons, Kurt (Charlotte) Buenerkemper and Kraig (Holly) Buenerkemper; daughters-in-law, Theresa Buenerkemper and Cyndi Buenerkemper; sister-in-law, Leola Zerrusen; 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Kent and Kevin; grandson, Jamie Westendorf.

The family would like to thank the staff at lakeland Nursing Home for the care given to Marianne during her stay at the facility.