Audrey J. Flunker

Audrey June (Schmidt) Flunker of Grand Chute, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Audrey was born on June 11, 1932, in Black Creek to the late Arthur and Hilda (Tiedt) Schmidt. Audrey graduated from Seymour High School in 1950, an accomplishment she was very proud of, as she was the only one in her family to do so. Audrey was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Flunker on September 19, 1954; he preceded her in death on October 10, 2011. Together they raised four children. After many years devoted to homemaking and raising her family, Audrey began working at Kmart, where she served loyally for 19 years until retiring in 1998. Her retirement was brief; that same year, she joined Mills Fleet Farm, continuing her dedicated service until retiring again in 2015. She took great pride in operating her cash register and warmly greeting family and friends who passed through her line. Those close to her knew her love of NASCAR was only matched by her dislike of the Green Bay Packers.

Audrey cherished time spent with her family above all else. She had a special gift for making everyone feel loved and cared for. Her home was the heart of the family - a welcoming place where relatives and friends always found a warm cup of coffee, something sweet, and a seat at the dining room table. Her open door and her steady presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to share in her warmth.

Audrey was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Black Creek. She was a devoted member of Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church in Appleton. Her relationship with God and her church family was central to her life, and she never missed a Sunday service. It was important to her to be dressed in her finest attire for church, insisting on wearing only dresses.

Audrey is survived by her four children: Sherry Griesbach, Dale (Jean) Flunker, Steven Flunker and Matthew Flunker; eight grandchildren: Karra (Scott) Schabo, Travis Griesbach (special friend Sarah Bosserman), Lori (Chad) Probst and Patrick (Jill) Griesbach; Amanda (Alberto) Chavez, Kristina (Adam) Foshag and Dustin (Katie) Flunker; and Lauren Flunker; ten great-grandchildren: Taylor and Morgan Schabo; Nora, Celia, and Audra Probst; Evelia and Perla Chavez; Helen and Robert Foshag; and Chase Flunker; sister: Judith Pelky; brother: Ralph (Donna) Schmidt; and sisters-in-law Judy Schmidt, Betty Flunker, and Jerelyn (Daniel) Grunwald. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters-in-law: Roger (Deloris), Donald, Ruben, Robert (Lorraine), and John “Jack” (Elaine) Schmidt; brothers-in-law, Milton “Cub” Pelky, Gene (Jean) Flunker, Ralph Flunker, Willard Flunker, and sister-in-law Jo Ann (Donald) Coenen; daughter-in-law Diane Flunker; two step-grandchildren: Dustin and Damon Coe; father and mother-in-law Oscar and Ruth Flunker.

There will be a time to visit on December 29, 2025, from 9am – 11am with a funeral service starting at 11am at Mount Olive Evangelical Lutheran Church 930 E Florida Avenue, Appleton WI 54911.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice, especially Karissa, Ashley, and Tracy for their care and support for their mother.

I’m Free – Anne Lindgren Davison:

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me

I took his hand when I heard him call,

I turned my back and left it all

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the close of day

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch

If my time seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart, rejoice with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.