Geraldine Sue Tunks

Geraldine Sue (Pine) Tunks, 79, of Westby, WI, peacefully passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024. She was born Oct. 1, 1944, to Gerald and Ella Vey (Brandt) Pine and was raised in Wichita, Kansas with her 3 sisters. She later met her husband, Robert Tunks, while he was stationed there in the Air Force. Once Bob left the Air Force, the two settled in Viroqua to raise their family.

Geri was best known for her talents as a baker and cake decorator. Chances are, if you’ve attended a local wedding, graduation or birthday party in the late 80’s to mid-2000’s, it’s a fair chance you’ve had one of her cakes. Over the years, she worked for many local bakeries. Before retiring, she ran her own small bake shop in Westby, “Piece O’ Cake.” During the 1980s, she shared her skill by leading a cake-decorating class at Western Technical College. For many years, she enjoyed helping children decorate gingerbread houses at Bekkum Memorial Library, Westby.

Geri was also a gifted artist. She painted windows for Westby’s annual Syttende Mai celebrations, and created and painted many pieces of artwork for herself, but more for others. Her family will forever cherish the Christmas Santas they received as gifts during the holidays.

For many years Geri worked at Old Towne Supper Club (Westby) when owned by long-time friend, Susie Wedwick. After retirement, she volunteered at Bethel Butikk in Westby where she enjoyed serving the local communities.

Geri is survived by her sons Curtis (Carrie) of Viroqua, Todd (Vicki) of Viroqua, and Craig (Lana) of Stoddard; grandchildren Joey, Mercedes, Cole, Savannah, and Samantha; sisters Cathy Maike (Harrisonville, MO) and Cindy Wilson (Wichita, KS), and many nieces and nephews. Geri was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Robert Tunks; her sister Sherri Nelson (Houston, Texas); and special aunt and uncle, Doug and Ruth Wilson (Wichita, KS).

The family would like to thank staff at Bland Clinic of Westby, Gundersen Medical Center of La Crosse, Vernon Memorial Hospital of Viroqua, Vernon Manor Nursing Home of Viroqua, and Gundersen Hospice for their comfort and care provided to Geri.

A reception to celebrate her life will be held at Vosseteig Funeral Home in Westby on Thursday, July 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

The family is asking that any monetary donations be made in Geri’s name to Bethel Buttik in Westby, WI.

Vosseteig Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Geri's family.

708 S. Main St.

Westby, WI 54667

608-634-2100