Kenneth J. Puta, 83, passed away on Christmas morning, December 25, 2023. He was born August 15, 1940, in Mishicot, WI to Archie and Edna (Voelker) Puta. Ken graduated from Mishicot High School in 1958 where he met Mary Lou Finnel. The couple was married at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot in 1962 and would go on to spend the next 61 years together.
Prior to their marriage, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an electrician. Once his Navy days ended he attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Before graduating from MSOE he was recruited directly out of class by the Western Union Telegraph Company where he spent the next 30 years as a Field Service Technician. Before transferring to Green Bay to work, Ken and Mary Lou lived in Milwaukee, South Bend, IN and LaCresent, MN beginning and raising their family. One of his favorite job duties as a teletype operator included sitting in both the University of Notre Dame and Lambeau Field Press Boxes on Game Days obtaining scores from other football games via teletype machines. (before computers). Ken was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus.
To amuse his young children, Ken annually set up a small train set to encircle the family Christmas tree. This began his lifelong interest in model railroading and all things railroad. In later years, he would become one of Green Bay’s most prominent and well versed model railroaders. He especially enjoyed his time “running” trains in the basement with his grandson, Bobby. Additionally, he never missed the opportunity to book a train ride. These train trips took him and Mary throughout America and Europe.
Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Lou (Finnel); four children, Gary, Green Bay; Ann (Dave) Haase, Green Bay; Mark (Kelly) Green Bay; Jean (Jesse) Nuthals, Green Bay; five grandchildren, Brittany Puta, Brooke Puta, Bobby Haase, Brianna Haase and Jacob Nuthals.
He is also survived by one brother, Jerry (Cindy) Puta, Mishicot and one sister-in-law, Patsy Finnel Eis (Donald) Mishicot and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Donald Eis and Jack (Ann) Finnel.
The family will gather with family and friends for Sharing of Memories at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St., at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023. A time of visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Ken will be laid to rest in the Mishicot Catholic Cemetery. To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.
Ken’s wife and children extend a special thank you to the staff and residents at Autumn Promise Assisted Living for their friendship, compassion and care during Ken’s stay there, and especially to Unity Hospice for making his final journey peaceful. May his memory be a blessing to all.
Alex Bahrke is serving the family.