Judy Ann Bunge

Judy Ann Lahman Bunge (1945-2026)

Judy Ann Lahman Bunge, a dedicated nurse, pioneering Scout leader, and beloved wife and mother, passed away on October 30,2026, after a courageous battle with the progressive ravages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Judy was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on August 14, 1945-the first child of a nurse and an Army Air Corps bomber pilot-entering the world just one day before the Japanese surrender. During her childhood, she found joy in dance classes and participating in the Camp Fire Girls. Demonstrating the fierce dedication that would define her life, she completed all the requirements to achieve a rank equivalent to Eagle Scout. She also loved spending long summer days playing board games with friends and card games with her grandmother, earning a reputation for being absolutely “wicked” at hearts.

Following her high school graduation in 1963 Judy attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester Minnesota. Graduating in June 1966, she took a position in the obstetrics department on the postpartum unit an University of Iowa hospital. She was quickly promoted to head nurse-primarily because she was the only person with the organizational magic required to create a three-shift eight nurse schedule that didn’t cause fights. She married the love of her life, Mark Bunge, in September of 1966.

The couple moved to Madison, Wisconsin in September of 1969, where Judy worked in the delivery room at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her efficiency and competence immediately caught the attention of local physicians, who invited her to become their clinic RN at the Dean Clinic. She thrived in the role and was deeply loved by her patients. In 1970, she welcomed her first child, Todd-delivered right after the clinic closed for the day, with her obstetrician driving her to the delivery room himself. In 1975, their second son, Jeffrey, completed the family.

In the 1980’s Judy poured her immense energy into youth sports and community leadership. She volunteered with a youth bowling program, helping to build it into a thriving initiative so large it required two separate shifts every Saturday. Her leadership led to a seat on the Women’s Bowling Association Board, where she served a number of years and traveled across the country for annual conventions. She was instrumental in organizing a high school boys and girls league that still exists today.

When Todd was old enough to join the Cub Scouts, Judy stepped up as den leader. She later became the first female Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop in the Council, elected by the committee of the sponsoring church. Along side a dedicated team of adult leaders, she grew the troop to 75 boys and led then on remarkable adventures. Spotting a gap in local youth leadership training, she also stepped up to reinstate the Council’s “Brownsea” program. In the 1990’s, her scouting impact expanded to summer camps. Judy became a certified camp inspector, traveling to evaluate other camps, and attended advanced training courses at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, where she taught classes on camp safety. She eventually took the role of summer camp business manager, working hand-in-hand with the camp director to keep operations running smoothly. She was awarded the Silver Beaver for her outstanding leadership and volunteer efforts.

Judy was a wonderful wife, mother, leader and teacher. Her profound, positive impact on thousands of youth cannot be overstated.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Mark: her two sons, Todd and Jeff; Six grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and her two brothers William (of Cedar Rapids) and Michael (of California).

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Judy’s name to the Boy Scouts: Scouting America or Alzheimer’s Association: Give To Alzheimer's Association.