Bubke, Raymond L.

Raymond L. Bubke, 83, passed away peacefully Monday, Dec. 2, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. Ray died at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, where he was taken after sustaining a large bleed in the brain on Nov. 29. Services will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Bethany Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids. Viewing will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church.

Raymond Leroy Bubke was born Feb. 26, 1930, in Battle Creek, Iowa, to Emil and Anna (Petersen) Bubke. Ray was the youngest son in a farming family of six brothers and three sisters. He graduated from Ida Grove, Iowa High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Army, being stationed in Salzburg, Austria as part of the peacekeeping troops during the Korean War.

Ray and the former Bonnie Smith were joined in holy matrimony at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, by the Rev. E.F. Dohrmann on June 7, 1959. Later that summer, Ray obtained his bachelor's degree in accounting from Morningside College in Sioux City. He subsequently accepted employment with Collins Radio/Rockwell International and he and Bonnie moved to Cedar Rapids. Ray retired from Rockwell in 1995 after 36 years of loyal service.

Ray and Bonnie were married over 54 years and have three children: daughter, Debra of Denver, Colo.; daughter, Jane (Michael) Simoson of Cedar Rapids; and son, Scott of Golden, Colo. One of Ray's great pride and joys was being a wonderful grandfather to Justin Simoson (Jackson, Wyo.) and Andrew Simoson (Steamboat Springs, Colo.).

In addition to his immediate family, Ray is survived by two brothers, Glen Bubke of Kingsley, Iowa and Dwaine (Elaine) Bubke of Ida Grove, Iowa; one sister, Helen Piper of Ida Grove; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Elmer, Irvin and Marvin; sisters, Irene Thornhill and Ella Fredericks Bravard; two beloved nieces and six cherished nephews.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father and grandfather, Ray lived to serve the Lord and did so in many ways as a 54-year member of Bethany Lutheran Church. He taught Confirmation classes there for nearly 30 years and enjoyed leading many young people to grow in their faith.

Some of Ray's other interests included yard and garden work, following sports and the stock market, and league bowling, but he always placed opportunities to help family and friends first.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation be made to any of the following: American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, the Lutheran Hour Radio Ministries, Bethany Lutheran Church of Cedar Rapids.

Ray's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was steadfast and unwavering. He would often quote Scripture and other religious sayings. One of his favorite lines to say (with a smile) was “Come, Lord Jesus - and the sooner, the better!” We as his family take comfort in the fact that Ray's wish has been answered.

Published Dec. 5, 2013 in The Gazette