Raymond L. Bufka
Died Oct. 17, 2016
SUTTONS
BAY - Raymond Leo Bufka, 83, of Suttons Bay, passed away Monday, Oct. 17, 2016
at Munson Medical Center.
Ray was born Aug. 8, 1933 at the Bufka Farm
in Cleveland Township, the son of Joseph and Agnes (Schafer) Bufka. On Oct. 26, 1963 at St. Rita’s Rectory in
Maple City he married Sandra Jeanne Martinson, who survives.
Ray served in the U.S. Air Force during the
Korean War. He was a Lector and
Eucharistic Minister at St. Michael’s Church, a former first responder and assistant
chief for the Suttons Bay-Bingham Township Rescue, a former Suttons Bay
Township Supervisor and assessor.
Ray was a life member of the NRA and loved to
fish and hunt. He and his brothers owned
the Seppi Lodge in the U.P. Ray and his family
and friends enjoyed many RV trips north and enjoyed riding thousands of miles
on dirt bikes. He also enjoyed wood
working and hand crafted heirlooms for family and friends.
A gifted general contractor, Ray’s talents
can be seen at The Cove and Falling Waters Lodge in Leland and at the funeral
home in Suttons Bay.
In addition to his loving wife of 52 years,
Ray is survived by his son, Chad (Jennifer) Bufka; beloved pooch, Peyton
Manning Bufka; brothers, Joseph Bufka Jr., Jerome (Clara) Bufka, John
(Margaret) Bufka, and Norbert (Sue) Bufka.
He is also survived by the entire Martinson family.
He was preceded in death by a son, Todd
Michael Bufka, and brother, Kenneth Bufka.
Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 20 from 5
to 8 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of
Suttons Bay. The funeral mass will be
celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, Suttons
Bay. Burial will follow at Beechwood Cemetery
in Leland. The luncheon at St. Michael’s
Church will follow the burial. Father
Leonard Paul will serve as celebrant.
All nephews and nieces are considered as
honorary pall bearers, a Bufka tradition.
Memorials may be directed to Suttons
Bay/Bingham Fire and Rescue, PO Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682 and/or to St.
Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Please share memories and condolences with
Ray’s family below:
Rest in peace Uncle Ray
ReplyDeleteThe world has lost a gentle giant and a wonderful man, Mr. Ray Bufka. I knew him as a young girl in SB and he was always kind and generous to everyone he met. A true and kind spirit to all. His family was always his world; May his memories shared with those he loved help to carry you all through the sadness you all feel in your hearts at this time. He is with the angels and building the most beautiful pieces of construction the eye can imagine. Prayers & strength to you all; may he rest in peace.....Karen Sanctorum - Foster
ReplyDeleteSuttons Bay lost a gentle giant. What a caring, loving, kind, understanding man. He made a personal sacrifice when a sibling of mine was very ill, his act of kindness touched 14 people that day. That was over 40 years ago. I have never forgotten, it was probably the best "pay it forward" lessons I have ever learned. Sympathy to all of Ray's family members. He will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteChad & Jen, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Father. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you go thru this time of loss.
ReplyDeleteDear Bufka family we are sorry to hear of the passing of such a remarkable man.
ReplyDeleteTruly he will be deeply missed by all who knew & loved him.
As you reflect on the many precious memories of Raymond,
with friends & family, please know you are never alone during this difficult time.
Our great God provide everlasting comfort from his word, the Bible that says: He (God) is near to all who are broken at heart and crushed in spirit.
(Psalms 34:18)
Sincerely
C Flores