Cecelia "Sis" Bunkers

Cecelia Agnes "Sis" (Fiegen) Bunkers was born July 9, 1937, to Lawrence B. and Theresa J. (Bowar) Fiegen in Renner, South Dakota at their farm place. In 1942, she moved with her parents to a farm near Dell Rapids, South Dakota. Sis attended St. Mary's Academy in Dell Rapids and completed high school there in 1955. She continued her education at the School of Nursing at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota (affiliated with Presentation College in Aberdeen, South Dakota). After receiving her RN degree in 1958, Sis worked as a staff nurse in Pediatrics at McKennan Hospital. On September 12, 1959, she was united in marriage to Robert Bunkers at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Dell Rapids. In January of 1960, she began her employment as a staff nurse at Dell Rapids Hospital. After their first child was born in August of 1960, Sis worked part-time at the hospital. Four children were born to the family while they lived in Dell Rapids. In July of 1966, Bob and Sis moved to Pipestone, Minnesota and three more children were born. Sis eventually resumed working part-time at Good Samaritan Village. Later she worked as an office nurse for Dr. RW Keyes. She was also a sub for the school nurse at Pipestone Area Public Schools, an instructor and evaluator for Certified Nursing Assistant courses at Minnesota West in Pipestone (20 years), and a nurse consultant for Hiawatha Manor of Pipestone from October 1996 to July 2014. 

Sis was baptized in July of 1937 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dell Rapids where she was confirmed in May of 1947. She has been a member of Saint Leo's Catholic Church in Pipestone since the family moved there in 1966. For many years, Sis was a member of the Council of Catholic Women, sang in the church choir, volunteered as a CCD teacher, helped with quilting, served as a communion minister, and helped with homebound ministry for Saint Leo's. She was also a longtime Pipestone Women's Connection member and enjoyed attending/leading Stonecroft Bible studies. Sis was an active volunteer with many other organizations including Pipestone County Hospice, Relay for Life, local blood drives, Pipestone Performing Arts Center and others. She helped many friends, neighbors, and family in a large variety of different ways. She was recognized as WCCO Radio's "Good Neighbor" in August 1997 for her numerous volunteer commitments.

Sis passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at her home on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the age of 87.

Cecelia is lovingly remembered by her husband of 65 years, Robert "Bob" Bunkers of Pipestone; seven children, Scott (Melissa) Bunkers of Maitland, Florida, Brian (Kari) Bunkers of Plymouth Minnesota, Lane (Kelley) Bunkers of San Jose, Costa Rica, Mary (Troy) Olson of Sioux Falls South Dakota, Angela (Russ) Daly of Brookings, South Dakota, Todd (Gina) Bunkers of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and Kathryn (Jaro) Mendoza of Bloomington, Minnesota. Grandma Sis has 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and each of them filled her with joy. She is also survived by one brother, Charles Fiegen of East Dubuque, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Theresa; her brothers, Richard Fiegen and Robert Fiegen; and her sisters Jeanette Penning and Sister Catherine Fiegen.

One of Cecelia's final wishes was to share this request: In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local church, hospital, school, or hospice organization.