Raymond Arthur Brunke

Raymond Arthur Brunke, 79, of La Porte, Indiana passed away Friday, January 5, 2018.  He was born March 9, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois to Carl and Ann (Bukovec) Brunke and on May 2, 1959 married Anita Becker who survives.

He served in the United States Army, six months active duty and two years in the reserves.  He served his pattern makers’ apprenticeship at International Harvester in Melrose Park, Illinois. In 1969 he moved with his family to La Porte to work for Teledyne Casting Service where he loved working for 45 years.

He and his family have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church since moving to La Porte.

Ray was a social person who never met a stranger.  No one enjoyed the company of friends or strangers more than Ray.  He was always the first one ready and willing to help a neighbor.  He enjoyed traveling with his wife, family, or friends, and was a skilled craftsman who always had a project going, whether outdoors or in his workshop.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Anita; one son, Thomas (Debra Smudde) Brunke of Glendale, Arizona; two daughters, Linda (Richard) Brunke Hurley of Glendale, Arizona, and Deborah (Jeffrey) Brunke Osman of Scottsdale, Arizona; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Reverend Ian Williams will officiate.  Family and friends may gather at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Research, 50 E 91st Street Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46209 or Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383.

Please share prayers, condolences, and memories with the family at Essling Funeral Home.com.

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