Erna R. Jautz's Obituary
Erna (Bunny) Jautz, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died on June 5, 2023, in Bradenton, Florida.
Bunny was born in the Bronx on May 21, 1937, to Erna (Zink) and Herbert Reichelt. When she was a child, her grandmother bought a weekend home in Rhinebeck, NY and Bunny would spend summers there. It was in Rhinebeck that she met young Walter, who lived next door, and their relationship blossomed. They were married in 1955, and sons Ken and Ron soon followed. By age 22, Bunny was a stay-at-home mom with two small boys living above her in-law’s garage, but she knew that life had much more in store for her.
The family moved to Atlanta so Walt could pursue a college degree, then on to Ithaca and Lansing, NY, eventually settling in Horseheads, NY. Bunny worked as a disc jockey on local radio, playing easy-listening music throughout the morning. One day, thoroughly underwhelmed by one of her son’s middle school teachers, Bunny decided she could do a better job herself and set out to pursue a degree in elementary education. She graduated from Elmira College in 1972 and went on to teach scores of 5th and 6th graders in Horseheads until her retirement in 1994. On that very day, Walt picked her up from school with their motorhome, and the two of them set out on a three-month, 12,000-mile adventure to Alaska. It was the first of many long trips, and they were always ready to explore another corner of the country. When they received an unexpected offer on their house, Bunny and Walt moved into their motorhome full-time, causing their sons to quip their parents were homeless. After two years of travel, they settled on the West Coast of Florida and began building a new life in the Bradenton area. Summers were still spent in the motorhome, and eventually the two were joined by their grandchildren, Sarah and Alec, who considered traveling the open roads with their grandparents the most amazing and glorious experience.
Bunny was an optimistic and cheerful person who could make the most of any situation. She loved to meet people, and she and Walt would often volunteer at various RV conventions. In 2014, they moved to Westminster Point Pleasant, a retirement home in Bradenton. There, Bunny made a point of being welcoming to any newcomers, greeting them with a big smile and an invitation to join her and Walt at their dinner table. But her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandkids. We have it on good authority that there was no better grandma out there; she was always ready with a big hug, advice, or a word of encouragement. Bunny was caring, supportive, generous, and kind. She was proud of her sons and thrilled to get two daughters by marriage. She particularly enjoyed their ‘girl-times’ together, which often involved wine. Her zest for life was infectious, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Bunny is survived by Walter Jautz, her husband of 67 years, sons Ken Jautz (Kristin) and Ron Jautz (Sharon), grandchildren Sarah and Alec Jautz, sister Ginger Smith (Buz), brother-in-law Eric Jautz, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is predeceased by her brother Rudy Reichelt (Jo).
A memorial service will be held at Westminster Point Pleasant Retirement Home later this summer.
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