Lauren Bunke

1936 - 2023

HOLGATE - Lauren Elmer Bunke, 86, of rural Holgate, Ohio, died peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023, at Genacross Lutheran Services- Napoleon Campus with his loving wife by his side.

He was born May 8, 1936, in Florida, Ohio, to the late Elmer and Ruby (Guilford) Bunke. On August 30, 1964, he married Mary Ann Meyer at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamler, Ohio.

Lauren was a 1954 graduate of Florida High School. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. When he returned, he worked at Zeller Corporation in Defiance, Ohio, until they closed in 2000.

Lauren was the former zoning Inspector for Flatrock Township, volunteer fireman for Flatrock Township Fire Department and served as a deputy for the Henry County Auxiliary Sheriff Department. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamler, where he was a member of the choir.

Lauren loved the outdoors and you could normally find him mowing the yard, working in the garden or out in his barn.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Ann, son, Brad Bunke and siblings, Roger (Carolyn) Bunke, Sharlene Bunke and Beverly Bertwell. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Bunke.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hamler, Ohio, with Pastor James Fundum officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-8 p.m. at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon, where a Fireman's Last Call service will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Flatrock Township Fire Department. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.rodenbergergray.com.