Betty Lou Brunkhorst

Betty Lou Brunkhorst, 82, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully in her sleep early Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at her home.

Betty was born April 2, 1941 in Festus, Missouri, to George and Velma Basler, the second of three children. Raised in a Christian home, Betty was taught the word of God and developed a close relationship with God that carried her through her life. She graduated from Festus High School in 1958.

On Aug. 15, 1959, Betty married her high school sweetheart, Gene Brunkhorst. They moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, then settled in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in 1962.

Betty lovingly and proudly embodied the role of homemaker. She raised four sons, with the help of Gene, and she created a beautiful home for her family. One of Betty's favorite things to do was to capture the precious moments spent with her family in photographs.

During her life, Betty read, studied and lived the Word of God. She taught Sunday School and a youth group. She led several women's prayer groups and a college Bible study.

Over the years, Betty moved with love and grace from being mother to grandmother. And through it all, her faith in God never wavered.

Betty simply called herself a Christian. Throughout Betty's life, her spiritual journey led her to join several Christian denominations. For the last few years, Betty was a member of LaCroix Church.

Ultimately, it was the powerful and life-changing teachings of Jesus Christ that Betty followed, taught and lived.

Betty was best known not only for being a strong woman of God but for her beautiful smile.

Her smile and sparkling eyes would always light up a room. The source of her light and sparkle clearly came from the light and Love of God dwelling deep within Betty.

Survivors include her husband, Gene Brunkhorst; three sons, Derek Brunkhorst (George Sablich) of Cape Girardeau, Brett Brunkhorst (Casmira Brunkhorst) of O'Fallon, Missouri, and Blaine Brunkhorst (Beth Brunkhorst) of Cape Girardeau; seven grandchildren, Peyton Brunkhorst, Zachary Brunkhorst, Calvin Brunkhorst, Addison Brunkhorst, Elizabeth Brunkhorst, Elizabeth Brunkhorst-Sablich and Matthew Brunkhorst; and her sister, Jackie Michael of Festus.

She was preceded in death by father, George Basler; mother, Velma Basler; son, Cory Gene Brunkhorst; and older brother, George Basler.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Dec. 28, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at noon Thursday, Dec. 28, at the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Fred Burgard and the Rev. Dr. Fred Poston officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to Adult and Teen Challenge Mid-America.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.