Julie Ann Bunge, 68, of rural Golden, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Golden Good Shepherd Home in Golden, Illinois.

Julie was born on August 29, 1957, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest Aden and Esther (Ihnen) Aden. She was a 1975 graduate of Central High School.

Julie married Randy Bunge, and together they shared many years and built a family. She later found companionship with Stacey Wallace of Golden, and he survives.

Julie worked in insurance for many years, including with Kay Lord & Bill Wiewel Insurance Agency's in Golden, where she was a valued and longtime secretary. She also worked for the former Hunter Funeral Home & Triplett Funeral Home as a funeral assistant.

Julie was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she played the organ and directed multiple youth and adult handbell choirs. She was a lifetime member of the congregation and took great joy in coordinating Christmas programs and contributing to church life. Her faith and service were central to who she was. She was also active in the community serving the Houston Township and Town of Golden for many years and participating in the Windmill Follies.

Julie loved hosting close family and friends, always having plenty of frozen pizza at the ready for her kids and their friends when they were younger. More recently, her grandkids and Stacey’s grandkids benefited from her enduring hospitality. She appreciated attending shows at the Community Player’s Theatre with friends and putting together a good puzzle. Other hobbies included counted cross-stitch and cake decorating.

Julie was a deeply devoted mother and grandmother. She loved attending her children's sporting events and supporting them in every way. 

She is survived by her children Heather (Matt) Hawley of Maple Valley, Washington, Ryan (Leslie) Bunge of Normal, Illinois, and Justin Bunge (fiancée Jennifer Scronce) of Quincy; her grandchildren Tyler Hawley, Leah Hawley, Blaise Bunge, Spencer Bunge, and Bryce Bunge; and her companion Stacey Wallace of Golden. Also left to cherish her memory include her sister, Joan (Ron) Schafer of Normal, and her brother, Karl (Mary) Aden of Golden, in addition to many beloved cousins, family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Services will be held as follows:

Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 12, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the J. Otto Funeral Home in Golden, Illinois.

Additional visitation will be held Monday morning, April 13, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Golden. Rev. Adam Doellman will officiate. Burial will follow at Golden Memorial Garden Cemetery in Golden. Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.