Isla Kunde

Madison - Isla Mae Becker Kunde, 92, passed from this life peacefully on March 9, 2015. She was born at Jordan in the Town of Hull, Portage County, WI, on October 6, 1922, the daughter of Henry E. Becker and Winifred Goldsmith Becker. She graduated from P. J. Jacob's High School in Stevens Point in 1940. Isla became reacquainted with classmate Clifton A. Kunde when he returned from serving with the U.S. Marines in WW II, and they were married in Stevens Point on June 19, 1948. Isla and Clif had been married for 63 years when Clif died in 2011. They began their life together in Madison, lived briefly in Appleton, and returned to Madison in 1953 when Clif took a job with Wisconsin Power and Light Co.

Before her daughters were born and after they were in school, Isla worked as an executive secretary. She retired in 1987 from the University of Wisconsin where she was the departmental secretary for Home Economics Education. Isla and Clif were members of Bethany United Methodist Church for over 60 years. Isla was very active in Masonic organizations and served as Worthy Matron of Monona Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

All her life Isla's family and friends were precious to her. She believed in the power of love and lived with love and respect for everyone as her guiding principle.

She is survived by daughters Shari Brush, Madison, and Kathleen Levy (Rick), Lawrence, KS; grandchildren Ben Levy, Kansas City, KS, and Erin Levy, Madison; sister-in-law Norma Kunde, Madison; and many nieces and nephews including goddaughters Melanie Patterson and Tanya Piotrowski, both of Stevens Point. She was preceded in death by her husband Clifton; sisters Emma, Helen, and Mary Ann; brothers Henry and Frank; and grandsons Eddie and Danny Brush.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3910 Mineral Point Road. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and a light lunch will be served following the service. Please share memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.


Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434