LAPORTE – Deacon Robert “Bob” Bucheit, a beacon of faith and kindness, passed away peacefully on Nov. 27, 2025, in LaPorte at the age of 91.
Born on Sept. 4, 1934, in St. Marys, Penn., to the late Louis and Geraldine (Erich) Bucheit, Bob's life was a testament to his unwavering optimism and service to others.
Deacon Bucheit's journey began alongside his loving family, and though he was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Sharon (Brand) Bucheit, their love story was one for the ages, having united in holy matrimony on May 20, 1967. Together, they raised a family that included their children, Patti (Mark) Gasper of Elkhart, Michael (Kimberly) Bucheit of Chesterton, Kristi (Aaron) Frick of Elkhart, and Stephen Bucheit of Vietnam. Bob was a proud grandfather to Connor, Hannah, Ava, Gavin, and Elsa, and a brother to Gregory (Diane) of Wheaton, Ill., and David (Laura) of Richmond, VA. He was also a caring uncle to many nieces and nephews. His siblings, Jean Orland, Kenneth, Gerald, Paul, and Donald Bucheit, preceded him in death, leaving behind a legacy of family unity and love.
Deacon Bucheit’s life was one of service, both to his country and his community. After completing his high school education, he honorably served in the U.S. Army. His career as an inspector with the LaPorte County Health Department was marked by integrity and commitment until his retirement in 1999.
However, it was his role as a deacon at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church in LaPorte, since February 1981, that truly encapsulated his faith-filled spirit. Deacon Bucheit's Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his existence. He was a devout member of Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church.
Father Nathaniel Edquist grew up in LaPorte and knew Deacon Bucheit since his early childhood. As a youth, Edquist attended St. Joseph School starting in pre-school. He saw Deacon Bucheit often, as he was in charge of the CCD program and was frequently at the church. In his middle school years, Father Edquist remembers, the deacon visited the classrooms and offered captivating stories about the saints.
“Long before I thought about the priesthood, I was captivated by the beauty of the Catholic faith, partly because of Deacon Bob's witness and enthusiastic sharing of how important his faith was for him,” he said.
When Father Edquist came home for breaks from the seminary, and even after he returned to LaPorte as associate pastor, he frequently found Deacon Bucheit in the church early in the morning, praying the Divine Office. He said the deacon began his day with prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, before dedicating the rest of the day to serving God's people.
“I will remember Deacon Bob, first, for his sharp wit in poking fun at people, always, of course, in a playful way,” said Father Edquist. “More importantly, I will remember his incredible perseverance in prayer and service to the Church. He made no excuses, he took no time off, and nothing was going to prevent this Energizer bunny from giving everything he could to serve the Lord who called him.”
Bucheit and his involvement in the church extended far beyond his duties as a deacon. He was a beloved Boy Scout Master, sharing his love for the great outdoors with the youth. His passion for travel and camping, especially at state parks, was a source of joy and adventure for him and his family.
“He loved camping and sharing his skills with the scouts, all of which was inspired by his faith,” said Deacon Frank Zolvinski, who serves the parishes in LaPorte. “He will be remembered for his commitment and dedication to anyone in need and his strong faith in the Lord.”
Deacon Bucheit’s commitment to serving others was evident through his work in the Prison Ministry, as a chaplain at LaPorte Hospital, and in his volunteer efforts with St. Vincent de Paul and Holy Family Outreach. His presence as a nursing home chaplain brought comfort and solace to many during their twilight years, described by those who knew him as kind, faith-filled, and optimistic.
Deacon Zolvinski confirmed that Bucheit’s dedication to St. Vincent de Paul was notable, explaining that he began the ministry right after he was ordained, when Msgr. John Witte asked him to start the program at St. Joseph. Over the years, the Vincentians in LaPorte have grown to serve thousands of people in need. Today, they provide a weekly food pantry, clothing annex and dinners.
Deacon Zolvinski added that he met Bucheit in the early 1980s after he was ordained. Zolvinski invited him to St. Peter’s church to speak to the parish youth group on his ministry as a permanent deacon.
“He was always very willing to help us out and share his faith and he planted a seed in me that led me to consider becoming a deacon later in life,” Deacon Zolvinski said. “I'll always be grateful to him for that.”
Bucheit also encouraged Deacon Bob Wellinski to join the diaconate. On the day of Wellinski’s ordination, it was Bucheit who vested him during the Mass.
“To have him vest me felt like the torch was being passed on,” he said. “We were referred to as Deacon Bob 1 and 2, or senior and junior. I asked him one time what advice he had for me and all clergy – that was to ‘love the people’ and he did just that by example. He'll truly be missed.”
Deacon Wellinski said he recalled Bucheit saying that he wanted to ‘die with my boots on at the altar,’ a statement referencing his military background.
“I think he did just that,” Weillinski said. “He went from a service of country to a service of the people.”
Visitation for Deacon Bucheit will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Ave. in LaPorte, where a parish Rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church, 109 C. Street, LaPorte, Ind.
Before the Mass, visitation will begin at 10 a.m., followed by morning prayer at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Parish, 201 Bach Street, LaPorte, IN 46350, or St. Vincent de Paul, 108 C. Street, La Porte, IN 46350.
To light a virtual candle, share a memory of Deacon Bucheit’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, visit esslingfuneralhome.com.
