Faye Ann Keuneke

Faye Ann Keuneke, 78, of Decatur, Indiana was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday evening, March 15, 2022, at Adams Woodcrest surrounded by her family.

She was born on October 7, 1943, in Decatur, Indiana to the late Alton C. Bittner and the late Alice M. “Sally” (Reinhart) Bittner. Faye was united in marriage to Robert E. “Bob” Keuneke on September 1, 1962, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble. Bob and Faye were blessed with nearly 56 years together before Bob passed away on May 23, 2018.

Faye 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. Faye 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, Faye 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. Faye’s cooking was something that many looked forward to. Additionally, she always seemed to have cookies in the freezer. Bob and Faye played very instrumental roles in their grandchildren’s lives and always supported them in all of their life journeys.

Faye is survived by her daughter, Rhonda (Jim) Brune of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Suzie (Brian) Steiner of Decatur, Indiana; son, Rob (Candy) Keuneke of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Marcy Gilbert of Spring Hill, Tennessee; son, Jeff (Ashlee) Keuneke of Decatur, Indiana; 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, & 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, & Evelyn Keuneke.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Bittner; and a great-granddaughter, Nora Keuneke.

A funeral service for Faye will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 21, 2022, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Pastor Andrew Yeager officiating. Burial will immediately follow in St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon till 5:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2022, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church on Monday.

Preferred memorials can be given to the Robert & Faye Keuneke A.C.C.F. Scholarship Fund, Cal Farley Boys & Girls Ranch, or Worship Anew.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes in Decatur, Indiana