PUNKE, Claude John.

Born 26th May 1942 – Passed away peacefully Aged Care, Croydon North on the 24th September 2026.

Aged 84 years.

Dearly loved only Son of Herbert and Alice (both dec).

Loved Brother and Brother in-law of Ruth and Ken Bicknell (both dec), Melba and Karl (dec) Schertler, and Ronesia and Ian Pollard.

Uncle and Great Uncle of Shirley Bicknell, Michael and Sylvia, Victoria and Maxi Schertler, Chris and Asha, Ashvin, Bharat and Anjali Schertler, Geoff and Lisa, Rex, Ava, Zara, Alessandra and Will Pollard, Sonia and Adrian Barry, Rohan and Michelle, Pippa, Heidi, Harry and Aria Pollard, Ashley and Sarah, Indi, Violet, Otto and Ivory Pollard.

“His presence with me now brings joy for evermore,  And through a long eternity, His ways I shall adore.”

 

Funeral Notice
The Funeral Service of Mr Claude Punke will be held at the Rose Chapel, Gippsland Memorial Park, Cemetery Drive, Traralgon on FRIDAY (October 9th, 2026) commencing at 10.30am.

At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave for the burial on the Cemetery Grounds.

Claude's service will also be livestreamed, to view the livestream please CLICK HERE.
Tributes
  1. I’m so glad I was with Claude when I was over this year. He will be remembered for his love and care of others. Cherished memories.
    Melba (sister) and Karl (dec.)
    Beloved Uncle, sister-in-law, Great Uncle to
    Michael and Silvia; Victoria and Maximilian
    Chris and Asha; Ashvin, Bharat and Anjali.

    Melba October 1, 2026
  2. Dear Cousin Claude I knew as a young boy and then as a grown man when we returned to Australia from Canada. He was unfailingly kind and helpful to us when we were in a time of need and I suspect that kindness marked his whole approach to life. He will be mised by all who knew and loved him. He has run life’s race and is now at rest and at peace. May his memory always be for a blessing.

    Gerald Punke October 2, 2026
  3. We all remember Uncle Claude for this sense of humour and his trademark grin! We were glad to spend some time with him in April and had a great time chatting about old memories. I remember him as kind and caring uncle. He lived for others and will be missed.

    Rohan and Michelle, Pip, Heidi, Harry and Aria October 2, 2026
  4. Sincere condolences to the families. An old school friend from Yarram High School in the 1950’s.

    Laurie Marlin October 2, 2026
  5. We’re thankful for Uncle Claude’s life living for others. We miss you Uncle Claude. Love Ash, Sarah, Indie, Violet, Otto and Ivory.

    Ash and Sarah Pollard October 3, 2026
  6. Very fond childhood memories of a man who brought a lot of fun to our home…from his fancy writing, violin playing, terrible concoctions he’d boil up on mum’s stove, boomerang throwing, beach days “chuck a left Uncle Claude” Julianne Bell-Fraser X

    Julianne Bell October 4, 2026
  7. Fond memories of Claude who made his home (whilst in the Work) for many years at my parents (Garrie and Colleen Modra) in South Australia. We have memories of his Convention tent making in dad’s shed, his Calligraphy writing and violin playing. Claude brought life and laughter into our family home. He relentlessly would try to surprise Mum by disappearing and then phoning her saying “I bet you dont know where I am HA HA!” She would just say “You are right Claude, I dont know where you are!” One time he phoned and he ended up in Port Lincoln!

    Anthea Modra

    Anthea Maree Modra October 4, 2026
  8. My dear old friend Claude, I was privileged to met you in your later years when you would come and stay with Ruth. We would both love a chat either side of Ruth’s fence talking about the garden, the cooking , and what the children had been up to. I was always happy to see you each time you visited your sister.
    After Ruth’s passing we became very close and you were more like a grandfather figure , I know each day you would be busting to escape Dalkeith to visit for a cuppa or to help me in my garden..
    l will always be grateful for your friendship. 🫶🏼
    You are very missed by us all.
    From The Calabró Family .

    Marieetta Calabro October 6, 2026
  9. My memories of Claude,
    Claude rang to check on one of his flock then another when they moved into our area i loved how Claude cared for souls .. even when afar … also appreciated Claudes phone calls just to say hello …. will miss those

    In memory of Claude Steph and John

    Steph October 6, 2026
  10. Dear old Uncle Claude ,I remember your antics around the dinner table eating watermelon, down in Naracoorte S.A. you used to be so engrossed with the watermelon your ears would get wet 😄with my father ,Barry Gale matching you in a fierce competition to devour it, Automatic dishwashers were only new invention then , and you were not fond of them ,and wanted us children and yourself to wash the dishes , but after such a feasting on the watermelon, and a rather expanding waist line , you was after all ever so grateful of that Humble dishwasher, I guess we kids had the last laugh 😃 on the day

    and who knew just when you would rock up unannounced, after walking miles down the South East of S.A. , to surprise everyone ,and fond and caring Shepherd of those fortunate enough to listen ,

    Glyndon Gale October 7, 2026
  11. Heartfelt condolences to Claude’s family.
    A lovely man, always impeccably dressed, a great storyteller and so kind and caring towards my Mum at Dalkeith Gardens. I will be forever grateful.
    Rest peacefully Claude. 🤍

    Cathy Morris (Whitty) October 7, 2026
  12. Since we were kids growing up in Adelaide 40 years ago I remember Claudes friendly smile and hello and giant handshakes, grateful for Claudes faithful life and his help down through the years.

    Kathryn, Jon, Laura and Josh Burrell October 9, 2026
  13. treasured memories since Julia Farr Centre days in Adelaide from 1986

    dianne heath October 12, 2026
  14. Rest in paradise Claude! I’ll forever miss our talks about Sunraysia! You were always a joy to care for xx

    Shantel S October 17, 2026