Rev. Dr. John Roger Bucka

Pastor John was an amazing Pastor; He was part of my life ever since I can remember: He taught me many life experiences to learn and grow from. He came to the hospital in 1999 when my oldest daughter was born to bless her birth, he helped me as a teenage mother coping with a blended family and other teenage issues including the balance of being 15 and a mom, he sat me down for one on one confirmation meetings in his office weekly, he was the reverend for my wedding in 2003, he gave a beautiful funeral service to my precious daughter, Jasmine Star Lillie in 2005 and later helped me through my grievance and finally coping with my divorce in 2007.

I am so sorry to hear of his passing, he touched my life and those of many many others and will be deeply missed and loved.

I believe his journey on Earth was to do just that and is now seating in heaven watching over us and seeing us through life.

My deepest sympathies to his wife, Lynn, his children in which I grew up with and went to school with as well as all the other loving members of his family/ his friends that are grieving for him. Another wonderful angel is above! Until we meet again, Rest in Peace Pastor John!

As a family friend, John ministered to my mother at the time of her illness and death in 1977, even traveling from Minnesota to Arizona, where she was hospitalized during the last few days of her life. I remember John's leading my mother in saying the 23rd Psalm, then admonishing her to start eating—now!

My condolences to John's family.

I just heard about Pastor Bucka's passing from my mother and I'm so sorry for your loss. Pastor John was my youth pastor for confirmation in Albert Lea at First Lutheran Church in the mid 70's. I have very fond memories of him as he was a very positive role model in my life at that time and he was very influential in my spiritual life. We moved from Albert Lea in 1978 so I had lost touch with him since then. What a great guy!

A legacy of love will continue through all who who were privileged to know this man of God. On behalf of the Berulson family, our sincere sympathy to the Bucka family. Pastor was such a blessing to our family - especially to Alice and Mel during his service at Calvary in Mora. We give thanks for the nurturing and encouragement he freely shared with us all.

On behalf of the staff at Courage Center, please accept our condolences on the loss of Rev. Bucka. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I'm so glad I got a chance to meet John. I was truly inspired by the
positive attitude he had during his battle. It was an honor to provide
care services for him over the past few months. He impacted our caregivers tremendously. Our thoughts and blessings are with the entire
Bucka family.
Mitch Bloom
Synergy HomeCare

We remember the special privilege and honor to have received divine blessings from God through Pastor John's leadership and ministry at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. From Baptism to family weddings to the funeral of loved ones he was always the same warm and good soul in witness to Faith in Christ. A true soldier of the Cross, forever remembered.

My heart aches for the Bucka family at this time. Pastor John will be remembered for the inspirational words he gave us, even while he was battling this disease. I will always remember the ever present smile on his face as well. He was a great person, a great Pastor and a great family man as well. Please know that the thoughts and prayers of so many are with you at all times. God bless.