Lester R. Pufahl

Lester R. Pufahl, age 78, of Beaver Dam, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2019.

 

Visitation for Les will be at Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam on Friday, March 29, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  There will also be a visitation at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church on Saturday, March 30, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.  Funeral services will follow at church on Saturday beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Michael Erwin officiating.  Burial will be at St. Michael Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

 

Lester was born on April 21, 1940, the third child of thirteen born to the late Elmer and Cynthia Pufahl.  Lester was drafted into active duty for the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas from August 1963 until July 1965.  He remained in the Army Reserves until 1968.  Les was employed for 36 years at John Deere Horicon Works, retiring in 1996.  He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers for over 55 years.  On October 23, 1965, Lester was united in marriage with Rochelle Italiano and they had two children, Dawn and Derek.  Lester was an avid outdoorsman spending countless hours fishing and hunting in Wisconsin.  He was a long-time member of Ducks Unlimited.  He fully supported his grandchildren’s events and he loved to follow Wisconsin sports teams.

 

Lester is survived by his wife of 53 years, Rochelle; his children, Dawn (Eric) Orfield of Green Bay and Derek (Jenny) Pufahl of Beaver Dam; five grandchildren, Dillon and Mackenzie Pufahl and Lauren, Paige and Noah Orfield.  Lester is also survived by 11 siblings, David (Prudy) Pufahl, Harley (Luella) Pufahl, Carol (Don) Kohrt, Nancy Peterson, Roy (Linda) Pufahl, Lynette Seets, Mae Ellen (John) Carlson, Linda (Mike) Kane, Fred (Bridget) Pufahl, Cindy (Gerry) Rechek, and Cheryl (Mark) Jacobson; a sister-in-law, Mary Jo (Warren) Kuenzi; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends.  Lester was preceded in death by his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, John and Dorothy Italiano; his brother, Leonard Pufahl; a brother-in-law, David Seets; and a sister-in-law, Judy Italiano.

 

If desired, memorials may be made in Lester Pufahl’s name to Church Health Services in Beaver Dam.

 

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is caring for the family. To leave online condolences, or for directions and other information, please visit our website at www.KoepsellFH.com.