Carl Richard Puuri

Carl Richard Puuri, 76, of Smith Mountain Lake, Va., died on Friday, January 23, 2009. He was born on January 2, 1933, in Houghton, Mich., a son of the late Matt Puuri and Emma Porkka Puuri. Carl was a member of Bedford Lutheran Church and served in the United States Army. He earned his bachelor degree from Michigan Tech and his masters from Washington State University. He was a retired Forester with the United States Forest Service with over 25 years of service. Carl also loved the outdoors and was an avid fan of all sports. In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by four brothers, Edwin, Ted, John and Bob Puuri; and a sister, Ruth Denofre. He is survived by his loving wife, Evelyn Sarah Puuri; a son, Jeffrey Lee Puuri and his wife, Julie, of Copper Hill, Va.; a daughter, Jill Lynette Sparks and her husband, William, of Roanoke; one grandson, Carl Toivo Puuri, of Copper Hill, Va.; a brother, Paul Puuri and his wife, Becky, of White Pine, Mich.; a sister, Kathryn Karkkainen, of Hancock, Mich.; and numerous relatives and friends. A celebration of Carl's life will be conducted 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at Bedford Lutheran Church (Bower Center) with Pastor Stephen J. Schulz officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Bedford Lutheran Church, 305 N. Bridge St., Bedford, Va. 24523 or Bedford Christian Ministries, 217 W. Washington St., Bedford, Va. 24523. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Smith Mountain Lake, 540-721-9375.