Alma Lee Buhnerkempe, 7, of Chatham, passed away on April 28, 2025. She was born July 10, 2017 in Springfield, IL to parents Billie (Huber) and Michael Buhnerkempe. Alma came into this world exactly how she lived – in a burst of activity. From that point on, she never stopped. She lit up our world with an infectious energy, a goofy sense of humor, and a sense of compassion that was boundless.
As a second grader at Chatham Elementary School, Alma walked her brother Will to the bus every morning and sat with him right up front. Always with a hug and a “love you” for mom, dad, and grandma and grandpa, she would be off to school with a smile on her face, excited to learn and play with her friends - especially her best friend at CES, Kathryn “Kit Kat” Corley. She was our social butterfly who could talk to anyone. We were constantly amazed when we were out at the number of people who would send her a wave or wrap her up in a big bear hug. She loved YNOT and begged us to let her go even when we were home, so that she could play Roblox with her tight-knit group of friends there.
Alma was a devoted sister who volunteered and ran red light-green light games for Will’s activities with the FLASH program, an adaptive sports program for kids with disabilities. She also loved spending time with her family, especially her cousins of all ages. We would always be treated to impromptu performances and howls of laughter at family gatherings big and small.
Alma loved sports and was looking forward to starting senior pre-team gymnastics at Springfield Gymnastics Center this summer. But more than anything, you could find her on the soccer field or basketball court with her Queen Bees, laughing and playing with a group of friends that were nearly inseparable. She was a budding Illinois basketball, LA Galaxy, and STL City fan and enjoyed popcorn and ice cream at many games.
In rare quiet times, Alma aspired to be an artist and loved to paint and even got her dad into drawing. Ever our future teacher, Miss Alma would conduct class for mom, dad, and anyone else who would sit on the floor to complete her quizzes. She also played piano and loved to dance while attempting to make “YouTube” videos. She coupled this with a strong sense of community fostered by the Girl Scouts.
Alma had the heart of an explorer. Alma visited 17 states in her short life and loved discovering new places. Her favorite place of all though was Walt Disney World, where she would go on rides from open to close.
Alma’s love for life was limitless, and her spark will be sorely missed.
She is survived by her mother, Billie, and father, Michael; brother, Will; grandparents, Dana and Kurt Armstrong, Barb and John Buhnerkempe; aunts and uncles, Lauren (Darby) Sabo, Deric (Amanda) Armstrong, Morgan (James) Scheffers, Jeff (Emily) Buhnerkempe, and Tommy Buhnerkempe; cousins, Otto, Mack, Cole, Cameron, Noah, Hadley, Harper, Aaron, and Mason. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Anthony Huber.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 10 from 12-5pm at the TRN Club, 25 Lakewood Dr., Chatham, IL 62629. If you have pink or purple attire, we encourage you to join us in wearing it in her honor.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, donations can be made to:
The KASE Project to raise autism awareness and provide community support - https://www.thekaseproject.org/donate-now
The Alma Buhnerkempe Memorial Fund at SIU School of Medicine to fund initiatives reflecting Alma’s passions and spirit - https://forwardfunder.siumed.edu/alma-buhnerkempe-memorial-fund
The Alma Buhnerkempe Memorial Fund to support the Buhnerkempe family at any Bank of Springfield branch.
