Elaine Bullens

Elaine Marie Bullens, age 73, of Trego, WI, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022, at Heritage Lakeside Rehab facility in Rice Lake, WI.

Elaine was born in Alton, IL., on July 29, 1949, to parents, William and Anita Bunse. Elaine graduated from Marquette High School in Alton, IL.   She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University, followed by her Master’s degree in Fine Arts and Music from New York University.  She lived in New York for 20 years as a professional opera singer, performing multiple times at Carnegie Hall, on Broadway, where she was delighted to perform with Leonard Bernstein, and countless locations abroad.

After her years of performing Opera at the highest levels, Elaine chose a new path. Elaine was united in marriage to Robert Bullens in 1988.  Together they went on to live in Holland, MI.; Duluth, MN.; Peoria, IL.; and finally finding their forever home in Trego, WI. 

Elaine had a great passion and talent for music. She was a teacher of music at Kalamazoo College in Michigan and was head of the Opera Workshops at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.  Once settled in Trego, Wisconsin she was a regular substitute music teacher for classes in the Spooner, Minong, and Shell Lake school districts. Most recently, Elaine volunteered her time on the Board of Directors for the  Shell Lakes Performing Arts Center.  She would volunteer each week to sing at the Happy Day Club (Alzheimer's Group) in Spooner, WI., and would often participate in the Glenview residents ‘Hymn Sing’ in Shell Lake, WI.  She was a very generous woman and used her God given time, talents, and treasures to brighten the lives of those around her.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband, Robert; her three children, Julie, Christopher, and Jennifer; her grandchildren, Daegan, Calvin, and Ryan, (who were the absolute light of her life and sparkle in her eyes); and by her “Sister Dear”, Diane Bunse of Holland, MI.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Anita, and by her brother, Alan.

Visitation for Elaine Marie Bullens will be at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Spooner, WI., from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 12, 2022, with the service to follow. 

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