Gerald Wayne Puska entered this world kicking and screaming on June 18th, 1949. He passed away
following a brief illness, leaving this life just as he lived it, on his terms, at the age of 75 on February 2,
2025. The love of his family surrounded him as he passed from this earth while his loving wife of 54
years held his hand.
All those who knew Wayne held an admiration for him, for one thing or another. He was a true manly
man, with the heart and courage of a lion while still having the tenderness of a teddy bear and a wicked
sense of humor. His generous heart was revealed to many people over the years in small and big ways
without fanfare and nobody could ever say they didn't know where they stood with Wayne.
His proudest achievement was raising his girls to be strong, fearless women and preparing them for the
hardships they would face in their lives. He raised them with a firm hand and quiet gentleness that
revealed itself when no one else was looking…a true testament to his character and his love for his family.
He loved being outdoors, hunting and fishing and shared his love for those activities with his children and
grandchildren over the years and most became avid outdoorsmen like himself. He spent many hours with
them in the woods or on the lake from the time they were old enough to hold a gun, bow, or a fishing pole.
He was an expert archer who bestowed his knowledge upon many throughout the years. In his later years,
he became a talented painter of wildlife and landscape portraits and spent much of his time in his art
room, perfecting various masterpieces with the stroke of his brush. If you were fortunate enough to be
gifted one of his paintings, you know his true talent and his tendency to be a perfectionist in all that he
did. To live a life with no regrets, knowing that you did your best in all you accomplished, is positively a
gift, and this was true of Wayne.
Wayne founded Puska's Machine Shop in 1980 and owned and operated it as a master machinist for 35
years. For those who worked with him, he was a driven, hard-working perfectionist who expected those
around him to strive for the same high standards as himself. He worked tirelessly to provide for his
family. He always said he could fix anything but a broken heart, and nothing could be a truer statement.
Our hearts are shattered by the loss of this great man, but we know he has moved on to a place with no
more pain, and we can rejoice in that.
He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Paula Puska; his three daughters, Dawn
Smith(Doug), Brooke Hargis(Jeremy) and Faith Webb; his grandchildren Zachary Stackhouse, Summer
Thomas, Breanna Hargis, Chloe Hargis, Bayleigh Hargis, Bentley Hargis, Christian Webb, Chase Webb,
and Hope Webb; bonus grandchildren Margeaux Smith, Gracie Smith and Sophie Mae Smith; one great-
grandchild Sloane Thomas; his father, Marvin(Bo) Puska; his brother David Puska(Mitze); and his
numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by one grandson, Tyler Wayne Stackhouse, and his mother, Earnestine Puska.
Please join us in remembering Wayne's life on Wednesday, February 5th, at 10 o'clock am with a
graveside service at the Urbana Cemetery, which is open to all those who loved him to say farewell.
Anyone who wishes to share any fond memories of Wayne at the service is encouraged to do so.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Wayne's honor to the charity of your choice.