Virginia Lee (Rothfus) Bunse

Virginia Lee Bunse, 90, of Newton died on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Newton Village.  A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, April 21, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will greet friends from 12 p.m. until the time of service.  Memorials to Jasper County 4-H or Newton Village may be left at the funeral home.

Virginia was born on December 10, 1934, to Earl and Helen (Mott) Rothfus in Carlisle, Iowa.  She graduated from Carlisle High School and received her teaching degree from Simpson College.  In 1957, Virginia spent six months in India as part of IFYE (Iowa Farm Youth Exchange) where she would make lifelong friendships.

Virginia then taught Kindergarten in Tama, before moving to Newton to teach at the Cottages. On February 7, 1965, Virginia was united in marriage with Werner Bunse at the Christian Church in Carlisle.  They made their home in Newton and were blessed with two daughters, Julie and Mary. When Julie was born, Virginia stayed home to raise her family but always enjoyed staying involved with the school by helping with Kindergarten Roundup each year.

Through the years, Virginia was an active member at both Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and at Our Savior Lutheran, both in Newton. She was also involved with LWML (Lutheran Women Missionary League) and Delta Delta Delta. For over 25 years, Virginia was active with 4-H, from being a member to being the leader of the Sherman Sunbeams for many years. She was honored for her service to 4-H by being named the Jasper County Fair Grand Marshall and also receiving 4-H’s highest award, the Alumni Award in 1983.  Virginia enjoyed baking, sewing, reading, puzzles, and coffeetime with friends.  She especially loved time spent with her grandchildren.

Virginia is survived by her daughters, Julie (Kevin) Van Manen of Kellogg and Mary (Kelly) Barnett of Newton; grandchildren, Jacob (Kate) Van Manen and Emily (Braden) Larson; her great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Karter Van Manen and Isabella and Anastasia Larson; and her nieces, nephews, cousins, IFYE’s friends, and many other wonderful neighbors and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Werner in 2015; her sister and brother-in-law, Martha and Worth Overton; brother, Robert Rothfus; sister-in-law, Jean Rothfus; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Edna and Wesley Allbery; and two nephews, Randy Allbery and Dennis Rothfus.

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