Edward P. Pufall

Edward P. Pufall, age 70 of Ashland, WI passed away Friday, Mar 8, 2024 surrounded by family and friends. Ed was born Feb 26, 1954 in Ashland the son of James F. and Dorothy M. (Gucinski) Pufall.
Ed graduated from Ashland High School in 1972, both as an honor student and a talented multi-sport athlete. After graduation, Ed was recruited to the University of Arkansas on a baseball scholarship to play under coach Norm DeBriyn; majoring in pre-dentistry. Prior to his senior year, Ed was injured in an industrial accident which left him paralyzed for life. Regardless of being paralyzed for 50 years, Ed used his unbelievable strength and positivity to transform his tragedy into something extraordinary.
Through his positive influence on players, family, and friends, they experienced more than being part of a team, they were part of a family tradition. He coached baseball for the Ashland Merchants for 45 years accumulating multiple Upper 13, WBA, and NBC championships.
In addition to coaching, Ed served as a lifetime Board of Director member for the Wisconsin Baseball Association (WBA) and Treasurer for the Upper 13 Baseball League. Ed's commitment to baseball was exemplified by his financial commitment to renovations, upkeep, and maintenance of Pufall Field over the past half century.
Ed was the cornerstone of his family; always making sure they realized how important family was and part of that was gathering to celebrate and support one another.
Survivors include his brother: Jerry (Judy) of Fayetteville, AR; sister: Marie (James) Carnahan of Ashland; sister-in-law: Esther Marie Pufall of Ashland; lifetime friend: Kathy Carey of Duluth, MN and many very special nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James E. Pufall.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Ed will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, Mar 16, 2024 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Ashland with Father Jerome D'Souza as celebrant and Deacon Norm DeBriyn.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church in Ashland and continue until the hour of service.
Interment will take place in Saint Agnes Cemetery, Ashland.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.