Donald "Putz" Punke

Donald “Putz” J. Punke, 84, died Thursday, January 17, 2019 under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Hospice House, Wausau.

He was born April 26, 1934 in Wausau, son of the late William and Hilda (Riemer) Punke.   On June 16, 1956 he married Florence Woellner at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.

Donald worked as a logger and enjoyed creating trails in the woods on his CAT.  He had a passion for the outdoors, hunting, spending time with family up North at the Hilton property, the Triple S Clubs or just enjoying a campfire.  He was also an avid Packer and Brewers fan.

Survivors include his wife, Florence, children, Jean (Doug) Krueger, Mike (Cindy) Punke, Ken (Linda) Punke, Laurie (special friend, Arnie Sova) Punke, Karen (Rick) Guralski and Mark (Kristi) Punke, all of Athens; 13 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren; one sister, Carol Pickruhn.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his uncle Carl who was like a second father to him and a brother-in-law, Jerome Pickruhn.

Funeral services will be 12:00 p.m. Noon on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.  Rev. Mark Schwalenberg will officiate.  Visitation will be Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com