Junior Phillip Bukaske

On October 16, 2020, at the age of 99, Junior P. Bukaske departed from this life to join his Lord and Savior in Heaven. He was born in Loyalton, South Dakota on July 23, 1921, the eldest son of the late Philip Bukaske and Zeldia Oban Bukaske. Junior grew up on a farm and was no stranger to hard work. He had a deep love of animals, nature and his country. Junior was a true patriot in every sense of the word, joining the US Navy one day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941 where he served as Gunner’s Mate Second Class on the fueler tanker, USS Randall in the South Pacific. After completing four years of service to his country, Junior eventually settled in River Ridge, Louisiana, worked as a welder and was a member of the Boilermakers Local 37 until his retirement. Junior definitely led an adventurous, happy life, enjoyed many hunting and fishing excursions, and was a collector of a variety of things. He was a member of many organizations, but his favorite was the VFW, where he served as a Post Advocate. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Stella Hilden, his brother Darrell Bukaske, his loving wife of 54 years, Letha B. Bukaske, and loving wife of 14 years, Rosemary K. Bukaske. Junior is survived by his loving wife of one year, Yolanda Peralta Bukaske, his sister Bonnie Anderson, and his children, Theodore J. (Marie), Arthur L. (Brenda) and Juliene Bukaske Hymel, as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family and many friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at the Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm with a service to follow. The VFW Post 3267 will hold a private ceremony at a later date. To offer condolences or send flowers please visit www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com.

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