Obituary for Richard David "Dick" Puent

Richard David Puent (Dick), age 88, of LaCrosse passed peacefully with his wife at his side and sons Dan and Tom with him the entire day December 24, 2022 from Benedictine Manor. He was born January 18, 1934, to the late Lawrence and Anna (Anderson) Puent. Richard attended Blessed Sacrament School and graduated from Aquinas High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and was stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital Washington DC in the Plastic Surgery Ward as a Medical Corpsman. Upon discharge he attended University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse formerly known as LaCrosse State College. He met his wife Donna Louise Zellmer and they were married June 28,1958 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

After marriage they moved to Rushford, Minnesota returning to La Crosse to start the family. Dick worked at a number of locations including Pittsburgh Plate Glass and Paints, Hilton Pharmacy, Doerflingers and Sears before starting his own business, R.D. Puent and Sons Custom Painting and Papering which serviced LaCrosse and surrounding areas until his retirement leaving his sons to carry on the business.

During retirement, Dick enjoyed sitting around telling his many stories of being on the river or hunting, playing his monthly poker games with his poker guys, a good game of cribbage, playing the piano and later in life relished winning BINGO at Benedictine. Above all, he delighted in tinkering in his flower garden, feeding the birds, squirrels and rabbits and caring for his many dogs throughout his lifetime. He was a social guy, belonging to many local clubs and organizations. He was a member of the La Crosse Coulee Chordsmen a barbershop chorus, American Legion Post 52, an investment club that he and his friends started, and BPOE (Elks) Lodge in charge of the Hoop Shoot, a Kids Hockey Program and a number of other events for children. Here, he was awarded Elk of the Year as well as becoming their Exalted Ruler. As a church member, he served as a Eucharistic Minister and was a member of the Holy Trinity Men’s Club working their chicken que and auctions yearly. He became a great-grandfather 2 days prior to his passing and was elated to see a photo of Hunter and thrilled that he had made the transition from Grandpa to Great-Grandpa just like his Grandpa Henry Puent had before him.

Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna; his children: Cathy (Brian) Dorsey of LaCrosse, WI, Rick (Sharon Johnson) Puent of Long Beach, CA Barbara (Drew) Torkelson of Topeka, KS, Dan Puent of LaCrosse, WI and Tom (Carol Heimerdinger) Puent of Albertville, MN; grandchildren: Megan (Charles) Cain of Hutto, TX, Marissa (Dylan Broxterman) Dorsey of Topeka, KS Anna and Krista Puent of Albertville, MN; Step-granddaughter Sarah (Patrick) Remley of Hunlock Creek, PA; one great-grandson Hunter Brian Broxterman and four step great-grandchildren Emily, Patrick Jr, George and James Remley. Also survived by; one sister Marilyn Phelps, two brothers Donald - his twin (Jean VonArx) Puent of Hernando, FL and David (Wanda Gifford) Puent of Frankfort, IL and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Howard and Clara (Hefti) Zellmer; brother-in-law Tom Phelps; sister-in-law Susan (Gagermeier) Puent; and nephews James and Timothy Puent.

The family thanks Benedictine for the many years they cared and provided for our dad and husband. There are too many to name but, we are sure you know the type of care each one of you gave him. We know some of you went above and beyond at times, and we thank you for that. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to an animal shelter or animal hospital of your choosing. UW Veterinary Care 2015 Linden Dr. Madison, WI 53706 was a favorite of Dick’s and he took many of his dogs there for care if you don’t have an animal shelter or hospital near you.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 6, 2023 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 1333 S13th Street LaCrosse, WI Visitation will be from 9:30am-11:00am Service begins at 11:00am followed by burial at the Catholic Cemetery 519 Losey Blvd South LaCrosse, WI A luncheon will be served 12:30pm at American Legion Post 52 711 S 6th Street LaCrosse, WI. Family will be there until there is no one else stopping by to reminisce.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.FredricksonFuneralHomes.com