Edwin Jacob Puska

MARQUETTE, MI - Edwin Jacob Puska ("Ed" and "Eddie"), age 91, of Marquette, a cherished family man, respected veteran, and dedicated community member, passed away on June 27, 2024 at the Mill Creek Assisted Living Facility in the loving care of his family.
Born on February 14, 1933, in Hancock, Michigan, Edwin was the son of the late Olaf and Ellen (Moilenen) Puska. On March 5, 1960, Edwin married the love of his life, Corinne Van Develder, and together they built a family grounded in love and mutual respect. Edwin is survived by his loving children, James Puska, Daniel Puska, Wendy Puska, all of Marquette; Joseph Bezotte of Gwinn; and Janice (Bezotte) DeMarte of Marquette. He also leaves behind his beloved sister, Diana Marie Leveque, and his Kemppainen cousins, Anne, Sarah, Phil and Darley, twelve great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. His legacy continues through his four grandchildren, Tim DeMarte, his wife Barbara Rhyneer, and their children, Eamonn and Amelie, of Marquette, MI; Brody DeMarte, his wife Michelle, and their children, Layne, Elyna and Dante, of Appleton, WI; Shay Simmons, his wife Megan, and their children, Mason, Toby and Madeline, of Marquette, MI; and Candie (Bezotte) Evavold, her husband Kevin, and their children, Curtis, Lauren, Claire and Liam, of Asheboro, NC.
Edwin was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Corinne, his sisters Ellen Yvonne Plichta, Ruth Vivian Taylor, E. Jean Kruk, and his son, John Bezotte.
Edwin's life was a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and commitment to service.
Proudly born and raised in the U.P., Edwin graduated from Hancock High School in the class of 1950. Shortly thereafter, he answered the call of duty and joined the United States Navy in 1951, serving his country with honor during the Korean War aboard the Fletcher-Class Destroyer USS Dortch. His time in the Navy was marked by distinction, earning him both the Korean Services Medal and the National Defense Medal. After his honorable discharge in 1953, Edwin returned to his beloved Michigan.
His post-military career was as industrious as his service, beginning at the White Pine Copper Mine from 1954 to 1957. His journey continued at the Scott Paper Company in Detroit, followed by a position at the Huss Ontonagon Pulp & Paper Company. Ultimately, Edwin found his long-term career with the Marquette Board of Light and Power, keeping the power flowing to the residents of Marquette as Superintendent of Production at the Shiras Municipal Power Plant from 1968-1993. Edwin's dedication to professional and community service was evident in the many organizations he belonged to over his lifetime. He was a 32nd degree Mason at the Marquette Lodge F&M 101, as well as a member of the Ahmed Shrine, the Scottish Rite, York Rite and the Thin Skins. He also belonged to the Elks Club B.P.O.E. Marquette 405. He was a member of the Michigan Boiler Inspector Association and the Marquette Range Engineers. He additionally served on the Marquette County Fair Board, the Marquette Economic Development Corporation Board, and the Board of Directors for the Lake Superior Community Partnership. He also served as an early morning usher for many years at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette.
Ed loved animals and enjoyed fishing and going to hunting camp. He also had a great love of woodworking along with the ability to fix or build seemingly any structure or machine with his extensive mechanical knowledge and experience as an engineer, backed up by his vast collection of tools. His hardworking and self-sacrificing nature was evident to all who knew him, and simply asking him for advice frequently resulted in him volunteering to help out with whatever project was on hand. Ed was highly sociable to everyone he met, with a strong sense of humor and genuine interest in their lives. His loyalty to friends was strong, and his kindness to his neighbors was legendary; for a time, it was almost a daily occurrence during winter for him to go out snow blowing for hours on end, helping out many people on his block. Ed was a pillar of self-sufficiency and strength.
Edwin Jacob Puska will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through the many lives he touched. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his memory and the many lessons he taught his loved ones will continue to inspire and guide them. His contributions to his country, his unwavering support for his family, and his commitment to his community will not be forgotten.
Friends are invited to attend Edwin's memorial service at Messiah Lutheran Church on Saturday, August 10, 2024. Visitation will be at 10:30 AM. The service will be held at 12:00, preceded by a brief tribute from his fellow Masonic Lodge members at 11:45, and followed by Veterans Honors. A luncheon will follow in Magnuson Hall.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com