Raymond J. Burk
With his family by his side, Raymond J. Burk,90, was welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. He was born in his family's farmhouse in Hancock County, Ohio, Feb. 9, 1943, to Walter and Margarette (Lauck) Burk. He married Marilyn Nordlund April 13, 1958, in Fostoria.
Ray is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Burk; five children, Randy (Judy) Burk of Findlay, Debra (Jack) Horner of Napoleon, Larry (Kim) Burk of Flint, Michigan, Sheila (Al) Bonnema of Beavercreek, and David (Teresa) Burk of Huber Heights; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Elizabeth Burk.
Ray graduated from Fostoria High School in 1952 and received an associate in business degree from Tiffin University in 1954. He earned the rank of sergeant and served in the 8th Infantry Division Reconnaissance Unit of the U.S. Army from 1956-1958, stationed on the Iron Curtain border of Germany and Czechoslovakia. He retired from Airfoil Textron (formerly Ex-Cell-O) in 1995 as head of production control.
He enjoyed fast-pitch softball, bowling, golf, table tennis, fishing, gardening, traveling to 18 countries, playing the trumpet, and spending time with his family. He sang with Lake Plains Barbershop Chorus and Heidelberg University Community Choir. He enjoyed attending Fostoria Lineage Research Society meetings and working on family genealogy. In everything, he shared
his joy for life through his laughter and cheerful whistling. He was a faithful member of Fostoria Baptist Church for many years and, later, Calvary Baptist Church in Findlay. He served as song leader, choir director and member, quartet member, deacon, and children's music leader. Throughout his many years of service, he selflessly worked in any area of the church that needed workers.
Ray loved his wife and family dearly, supporting them passionately his entire life. But the greatest legacy and example he left to his family was a life lived for his Savior, Jesus Christ. His desire was that his children and their families would accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and serve Him.
A Celebration of Ray's Life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, Fostoria, with the Reverend David Chapman officiating. Burial will be at Fountain Cemetery, Fostoria with Military Honors by the United Veterans of Fostoria.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to The Gideons International at
gideons.org or Open Bible Baptist Church of Beckley, 206 Hedrick St., Beckley, WV 25801.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at
www.hffh.net.
The family wishes to especially thank Susan Young, Heartland Hospice, Good Shepherd Home, and Fostoria Community Hospital nurses for their loving care of Ray.
Published by The Courier on Sep. 23, 2024.