Bruce Petschke

Bruce W. Petschke, age 66, rural Portland, passed away Wednesday at his residence. He was born in Portland January 2, 1952 the son of Raymond and Joanna (Hughes) Petschke. He was married March 17, 1979, to Jackie Bricker, and she died April 6, 2007. He was a retired heavy equipment operator with Meshberger Brothers. He was a member of Portland Elks Lodge and Arch Bridge Cruisers.

Surviving are two sons, Jonathan Runyon (wife: Carassa) of Redkey and Scott Newton (wife: Shannon) of Portland; two daughters, Heather Mattingly of Portland and Barbara Smith (husband: Gary) of Portland; one brother, David Petschke of Portland; one sister, Deborah Hunter of Geneva;, his companion, LaDonna Caster of Portland; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Mike.

Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Craig Cotherman presiding. Burial will follow in the Liber Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Memorials can be made to the Jay County Cancer Society.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.