Obituary of Raymond W. Punke

Raymond W. Punke,

Age 78, of Stratford, died unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, November 7, 2017 as a result of a farming accident.

In keeping with Raymond’s wishes a memorial service for family and friends will be held in June of 2018.

Raymond was born August 13, 1939 in Goodrich, the son of John and Bernice (Alther) Punke. He was a proud lifelong dairy farmer in Stratford, also working at Stratford Homes and Marathon Cheese Corp. After retiring, he did what he loved best, more farming by cultivating an enormous vegetable garden and carefully tending acres of lawn and flower gardens. He loved giving rides on his horse drawn wagon and following his family on horseback with his pony and cart.

Raymond was a kind and gentle man who was always ready to lend a hand and was loved by all who knew him. His good natured “grumpy farmer” facade hid a heart of gold. He will always be remembered as an honest, hardworking, quiet and kind man.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years Linda Van Horn-Punke of Stratford; his stepsons Adam (Janice) Van Horn of Stratford and Kenneth (Dawn) Van Horn of McFarland; his grandchildren: Curtis and Caylee Van Horn of Stratford and Cassandra and Alexis Van Horn of McFarland; his three brothers Leonard (Nancy) Punke, James (Carol) Punke and Kenneth Punke; his three sisters Dorothy Bauman, Betty (Steve) Knetter and Elsie Punke along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents John and Bernice (Alther) Punke; brothers Elmer in infancy and Hilbert and his brother-in-law Gerald Bauman.

In lieu of flowers memorials are being accepted by the family for a charity to be determined at a later date.

His arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.