Lorraine K. Bunce November 15, 1936 – October 27, 2026.
Lorraine Kay Bunce passed away on October 27, 2026, just shy of her 90th birthday. Surrounded by family, she spent her last days filled with faith and love, and, true to form, her ever-present quick wit never left her.
Born on November 15, 1936, in Lake Mills, Iowa, Lorraine grew up on the family farm in nearby Scarville, which her paternal great-grandparents had homesteaded in the late 1800s. There, she learned the value of family, hard work, and how to hustle people at the local pool hall! Lorraine attended a one-room schoolhouse for eight years and had the same teacher for seven of them. Fiercely competitive, she happily joined the boys in baseball, touch football, and ice hockey. After high school in Kiester, Minnesota, she graduated from Luther College, where she studied business education and physical education. She later earned a master’s degree from Indiana University South Bend.
Lorraine began her career in Waseca, Minnesota, and spent her final 18 years in education teaching PE and health at Kesling Middle School in La Porte, Indiana. She also coached track and served as faculty advisor for the school yearbook. She loved her students and treasured the lifelong friendships she formed with fellow teachers.
Lorraine married her faithful companion, John “Jack” Bunce, nearly 50 years ago. Together they enjoyed many adventures. They spent their winters in Arizona, one of their favorite places. Their wonderful friendships, built over golf, bridge and plenty of mischief, kept them young. Lorraine took great pride in La Porte and rarely missed a Slicer football game, especially during Jack's coaching years. After each game, the two could spend hours reliving every highlight. After hanging up her PE whistle, Lorraine launched a second career, channeling her creativity into home design and decorating. She worked alongside Jack at Bennett’s, their furniture and appliance store, where she especially loved creating beautiful Christmas window displays each year. Having a keen eye for a home’s potential, Lorraine also bought, renovated, and sold houses long before “house flipping” became popular.
Lorraine and Jack enjoyed hosting extended family and friends at their home on Legacy Hills Golf Course. Lorraine had a special gift for bringing people together through beautifully arranged tables and delicious meals, often featuring the latest recipe she couldn’t wait to try. She paid attention to every detail, adding personal touches to make each guest feel special.
A lifelong Lutheran, Lorraine was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in La Porte for almost 60 years. Shortly before her passing, the Reverend William Yonker, granddaughter Emma’s father-in-law, blessed her by gathering family around her bedside for a beautiful time of prayer and Communion. Having spent her life teaching her family to love and serve God, she was at peace, ready to be welcomed into the arms of the Lord she loved so deeply.
Along with her husband, Jack, Lorraine is survived by her son, Todd (Sue) Anthony of Sherwood, WI; daughter, Sara Harris of La Grange, IL; stepchildren, Peggy (Dan) Plowman of Navarre, FL, Linda (Ed) Gueren of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and Jack (Carolina) Bunce of Ojai, CA; sister, Marcia (Jim) Grenier; 11 grandchildren, Marcos (Mayra) Abril, Heather Anthony, Andrew (Amber) Belchior, Brittney (Ryan) Yokum, Cole Krizancic, Taylor Williams, Graham Bunce, Conner Krizancic, Rachel (Steven) Grenawalt, Tori Williams, and Emma (Josh) Yonker; four great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gayler and Gladys (Brue) Engebretson; brother and sister-in-law, Rodney and Barb Engebretson; and son-in-law, Tim “Max” Harris.
A private burial will take place at Carmel Cemetery in La Porte, and, at a later date, the family will gather with friends to celebrate Lorraine’s beautiful life.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei FuneraL Home, Essling Chapel in La Porte.
Memorial contributions may be made in Lorraine’s name to the Unity Foundation of La Porte County.
Family and friends are invited to light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for the family by visiting esslingfuneralhome.com.
