Danielle Rhea Zellmer-Bunzell

Danielle Rhea Zellmer-Bunzell, age 44, passed away on Sunday, June 14th, 2026, at the University of Illinois Hospital and Health in Chicago surrounded by her family and friends.

Dani was born on October 8, 1981in Peru to Kathleen Washkowiak, and later adopted by Charles Zellmer when he and Kathy married. She graduated high school at Putnam County HS, where she was an honored standout athlete in volleyball and track. She also attended ICC in Peoria.

Most of Dani’s career consisted of working in the service industry, including Lou’s Lagrotto, Deer Park Country Club and Starved Rock Lodge. Dani and her husband Ryley were married in 2016 at Starved Rock, where they both worked at the time. Together they opened The Study Supper Club in LaSalle, IL in 2018.

Dani is survived by her husband Ryley, children Joseph (Joe) Charles, 15 and Byrnadette (Byrd) Kathleen, 13, aunts Linda Zellmer, Cathy (Chuck) Oliveri, Karen (Jack) Ossola, Uncle Chris Washkowiak, Aunt Cindy Washkowiak, and several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents Kathy and Chuck, her grandparents Wayne and Betty Washkowiak, grandparents Glenn and Lila Zellmer, and several aunts and uncles.

The family is overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone for their love, prayers and support during this sad and difficult time. There will be a Celebration of Life for Dani, to be announced and posted at a future date.

It would be an understatement to say that Dani was loved by so many friends and family in our communities. She showed her fun-loving personality through the hugs she gave, favorite sports she continued to play with friends, laughs she shared, jokes she spouted, and food and drinks she served. Her beautiful infectious smile and twinkling eyes are in our memories forever.

Ptak Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared at PtakFH.com