Evangeline G. Gunka

Evangeline Gunka, age 103, of Horicon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at the Charleston House in Beaver Dam after a long and remarkable life filled with love, family, and cherished memories.

A Memorial Service for Evangeline will be held at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Daniel Seehafer officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, military honors will be conducted by the Horicon American Legion Post #157.

Evangeline was born on September 20, 1922, to Herbert and Elsie (Nehls) Becker. On January 10, 1944, she married the love of her life, John J Gunka, in Milwaukee, and the two shared many years of love and happiness together.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Evangeline served as an Army nurse stationed at Fort McCoy. She dedicated herself to caring for others with compassion, strength, and unwavering commitment. Her military service was a source of great pride throughout her life.

Evangeline found joy in the simple pleasures of life and had a deep appreciation for nature. She was an avid gardener whose beautiful flowers brought happiness to everyone who saw them. Her talent in the garden tending to her flowers earned her many blue ribbons at the Dodge County Fair, an accomplishment she treasured. Whether tending to her garden, spending a peaceful day fishing, completing challenging jigsaw puzzles, or creating beautiful stained-glass artwork, she embraced each hobby with patience, creativity, and enthusiasm.

Faith was a central part of Evangeline’s life and remained a source of strength and peace throughout her years. As a faithful member of St. Stephen’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Horicon, she found comfort and community in her church family. Her faith became especially meaningful during the final chapter of her life, when visits from her pastor brought her great comfort and reassurance. Those moments of prayer, conversation, and spiritual support reflected the deep faith that guided Evangeline throughout her life and provided her with peace in her final days.

Above all, Evangeline’s greatest joy was her family. She was blessed to spend 103 wonderful years creating cherished memories with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. Family meant everything to her, and the love and memories they shared will remain in their hearts forever.

Evangeline is survived by her son Herbert (Suzanne) Gunka; her sister Jean Chapman; daughter-in-law: Diane Gunka; her grandchildren: John Gallenbeck, Nicole Schwamn, Michael Gunka, Teresa (Randy) Rucks, and Michelle (Jeff) Gregor, Jennifer (Tim) Grove-Ede, and Shawn (Rachel) Ede; great-grandchildren: Leiliani Ede, Savannah Ede, Taylor Rucks, Emma (Jacob) Schmidt, and Samuel Rucks; and one great-great granddaughter: Evangeline Rose Schmidt. She is further survived and missed by other dear relatives and friends.

Evangeline was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband John; her son John III; her daughters Margaret Schwamn and Elizabeth Gallenbeck; grandson Jason K. Gunka; and her sisters and brothers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the St. Stephen’s Student Tuition in Horicon.