Mary Pukall

Mary Pukall, of Arbor Vitae, slipped peacefully into eternal life Tuesday, February 26, at her home in Arbor Vitae. She was 90 years old. She was born January 16, 1923 in Cobalt, Ontario, Canada, to John and Gertrude (Gartside) Underwood. After completing high school, she worked as an office manager for lumber brokers, first in Latchford, Ontario and later in Toronto. On July 25th, 1945, she was united in marriage with Roger Pukall in Toronto, and moved to Arbor Vitae after Roger was discharged from the Army Air Force later that year. She worked along side her husband at Pukall Lumber Company and remained active in the business until shortly before her death. Despite a medical condition that gradually left her unable to walk, Mary always maintained a positive attitude of resilience and determination. She will be remembered for her work ethic and commitment to giving back to the Lakeland community. Along with Roger, Mary established the Pukall Lumber Foundation in 1973, to support area non-profit organizations as well as national aide organizations. She also served on the board of Northwoods Rehabilitation Associates, a division of Howard Young Health Care, from 1986 – 1993, inspiring others through her determination to succeed in spite of obstacles. Mary is survived by her husband of 67 years, Roger; daughters Debra Christensen of Bloomington, MN, and Susan Pukall (Rick Wilson) of Arbor Vitae; a grandson, David Christensen, and granddaughter, Alison Christensen; three step-granddaughters, Whitney, Kristi and Emily Wilson; sisters Alson Campsall of New Liskeard, Ontario, June (Jim) Kendall of Toronto, Ontario, and Florence (Bill) Wherry of Carrying Place, Ontario, and by brother Jim Underwood of Cobalt, Ontario. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ted and Alec Underwood. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Minocqua. The Pukall family would like to give special thanks to Michelle Rosinski, Erica Gammee, Kelly Kuehl, Michelle Weibel, Nancy Stowe and Lisa Zarda for their loving care for Mary. Mary will be greatly missed by family and friends who know that her physical limitations are finally over and she is at home with the Lord. In Mary's memory, donations to the Howard Young Foundation or Calvary Lutheran Church would be appreciated.

Mary Pukall

January 16, 1923 - February 26, 2013