Rev. Dr. John Roger Bucka

Bucka, Reverend Dr. John Roger Age 61, of New Hope, died peacefully surrounded by his family November 18, 2010 after a courageous three year battle with cancer. John was born October 1, 1949 in Minneapolis to Sarah and Gilbert Bucka. John graduated from Roosevelt High School and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Concordia Senior College. John was called into the ministry and attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and went on to graduate from Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago. He later received his Doctorate in Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. John met the love of his life, Lynn, while serving as a pastor at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. He went on to serve as Senior Pastor at Calvary Lutheran in Mora, House of Hope in New Hope, and lastly at Christ Lutheran Church in Blaine. John was an adjunct Professor at Concordia St. Paul and author of several parenting books, curriculums, devotional books, and Bible studies. He loved coaching his kids in basketball and baseball, and attending their many activities. He lived a life that provided inspiration to many. He will be forever missed by the many that loved him. John was preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert & Sarah and infant brother, John Gilbert. John is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Lynn, and his children who so adored him: Katherine (Cameron) Opel, Matthew (Emily), Peter, Jennifer, Sarah, Kaaren, and his brand-new grandson, Anders John Opel. Also survived by his sister, Maria Bucka, several sisters-in-law and brothers- in-law, and thirteen nieces and nephews. Our family would like to thank Dr. Dudek, Dr. Hunt, and Dr. Seng and the many nurses and doctors in the ICU at the U of M Medical Center. Funeral Monday 11 AM at Christ Lutheran Church, 641 89th Ave NE., Blaine. Visitation AT CHURCH Sunday 3-7 PM and Monday one hour prior to service. Private interment at Gethsemane Cemetery, New Hope. Memorials preferred to a Breath of Hope Lung Foundation, P.O. Box 1081, Chanhassen, MN 55317 or to the Bucka family. www.caringbridge.org/ visit/johnbucka Gearty-Delmore 763-553-1411