Mauna Rae (Butsch) Brickler

Mauna Rae Brickler (Butsch)

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Mauna Rae Brickler (Butsch) on Friday, May 14, 2021.

Mauna was born on January 14, 1942, in Indianapolis, to Raymond and Deloris Butsch.  She attended Sacred Heart Central High School where, as Senior Class President, she graduated in 1960.  Following Sacred Heart, Mauna attended Marion (College) University and in 1966 received her Bachelors of Arts degree in visual arts.  In 1975, Mauna received her Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Nebraska.

On January 21, 1967, Mauna married Gregory E. Brickler, in St. Roch Catholic Church in Indianapolis.  Mauna brought two wonderful children into our world; first a daughter, Stacy EveAnn, in 1967, followed by a son, Derek Michael, in 1968.  Throughout their 54-year marriage, Mauna was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, daughter and friend.  As Greg focused on his career, Mauna managed the fundamentals of their home as well as the mechanics of several relocations that took them from Indianapolis to Lafayette, Lafayette to Omaha, Omaha to Bad Homburg West Germany, then to Caracas Venezuela, back to Indianapolis, on to London England and finally returning to where it all started in Indianapolis.  Throughout each move, she served as an effective manager of all details, large and small. 

Mauna was considered by all to be a genuinely sweet and caring person.  She participated in many activities outside her home.  She assisted with International School activities while living outside the United States, served as a career counselor professionally for the University of Southern California working with the U.S. Military in Germany, involved herself in church activities in each location, leading classes for children in the Liturgy of the Word and volunteered in various charitable organizations with a special focus to Crossroads Rehabilitation in Indianapolis.  Mauna was, in general, a person who demonstrated an unselfish desire to help whomever and whenever needed.  She had a passion for art and for music, where she would spend many an hour playing her baby grand.  She especially valued her continuous contact with her Sacred Heart Central classmates throughout their post-graduation years.  She was a true gift to her husband, her family, her friends and acquaintances everywhere. 

Mauna was preceded in death by both her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Gregory, her daughter, Stacy (Jon) Dietz (Mooresville, IN), son, Derek (Kimberley) Brickler (Satellite Beach, FL), one grandson, Cory Skaggs, one step-grandson, Zachery Archer and one granddaughter, Gavin Brickler.  She is also survived by her sister, Julie Schaefer (Shelbyville, IN). 

Family and friends will gather on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral Home, 1458 S. Meridian St., with additional visitation on Thursday, prior to Mass, starting at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with prayers being said at 10:30 a.m. prior to transitioning to Mass at Sacred Heart.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Mauna on Thursday, May 20, at 11 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1530 Union St., with Fr. Duc Pham, OFM, presiding.  Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. 

Family and friends are invited to a reception following services in the St. Roch Parish Life Center, 3603 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, starting at 1 p.m.

It was Mauna’s request that considerations of memorial contributions be directed to taking a planned breakfast, lunch or dinner with your loved ones or special friends and celebrate the gift of life that is so short, yet so precious.

To share a condolence with the family or order flowers, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com

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