Obituary: Lonnie M. Puskala

Lonnie M. Puskala, age 76, of Brillion, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, January 27, 2024 at Manitowoc Health and Rehab. 

Lonnie was a Valentine’s Day baby, a fact that he was very proud of.  He was born on February 14, 1947 in Stambough City, MI, son of the late Wilbert and Margaret (Flaschberger) Puskala.  He was a graduate of Iron River High School, class of 1965.  After high school, Lonnie enlisted in the United States Army to serve our country.  He was very proud of his time spent in the US Army and of his work as an M.P. in Germany.  He often shared all of his stories about his service days with friends and family.  After his service, he was told Ariens was hiring and moved to Brillion.  There he met his love Sharon.  On December 6, 1986, he married Sharon (LeClair) Orth at St. Mary Catholic Church in Brillion.  They raised Sharon’s four children together.  Her children recall tending gardens and roses with Lonnie, him going on hunting and fishing trips, and that Lonnie with Sharon had many, many years of fun and enjoyment at their cottage up north with family and the group of lifelong friends that were part of all the up north shenanigans.  Lonnie was also very active in the Brillion community and felt it was important to give back.  He was a member of the Brillion Lions Club, often volunteering and helping organize events, fundraisers, and help in ways to give back to Brillion.  He was also on the City of Brillion Plan Commission for a number of years.  Over the years, the residents of Brillion have watched, and in later years, watched over Lonnie as he walked the dogs Mitzie, Nelli, and then Lady through the streets of the city on their daily outings.  He truly cared about this community and the people in it, but most definitely was so very thankful for his life with Sharon.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sharon of Brillion; Sharon’s children: Kathy (Eric) Gyorko of Indialantic, FL, Brian (Lori) Orth of Menchalville, and Craig (Andria) Orth of Brillion; grandchildren: Dara (fiance’ Patrick) Gyorko, Zane Gyorko, Rachel (Kyle) Karstadt, Courtney (Anthony) Bowers, Jared (Kelsie) Orth, Zachary Orth, Jocelyn (Anthony) Dobson, Hunter Orth, Logan Orth, and Macy Orth; great-grandchildren: Liam Orth, Kevyn Dobson, Duncan Dobson, and Mavis Dobson; one brother and two sisters-in-law: Larry (Tina) Puskala of Grand Rapids, MI and Kelly (TJ) Schneider of Manitowoc; other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law: Leo and Lorena (Duby) LeClair, step mother-in-law: Marge LeClair, step son: Kevin Orth, and other relatives. 

Funeral Mass will take place at 12:00 p.m. (NOON) on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.  Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Tom Pomeroy.  Military Rites will be accorded by the Becker Bloedorn Jensen Post 126 of Brillion.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. 

Friends may call at the church on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.

Online condolences may be made.  www.pielhopwieting.com