Herbert C. Puetzer

Herbert C. Puetzer was born to eternal life on June 26, 2023 at the age of 100 years. He was born on May 12, 1923, to the late Nicholas and Mary (Graser) Puetzer. Herb was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 75 years, Dorothy, and his son David.
Herbert is survived by his children James (Eunice) with their family Nicholas (Jessica) with Landon and Avery; Katie (Brian) Nash with Lucas, Maya, and Nora; Richard of Vail, CO; daughter-in-law Bonnie Puetzer; Mary Milliren (the late Michael Milliren); Margaret (Anthony) LaMalfa of Appleton, WI with their family Joseph (Marissa) LaMalfa with Grace, Maeve, and Frank; John (Ayaka); Susan Boomgaarden with her family Monica, Sarah, Maggie (Travis) Johnson, and Jacob (Mariam); and his loyal shih tzu companion, JoJo.
Herb, a grandson of German immigrants, was born on the family homestead in New Berlin. In his young life he spent countless summer hours helping with chores on family farms including riding on a horse drawn wagon full of produce headed to the local West Allis farmer's market each week. It was on the farms where he grew to love farming and hunting. Herb's family made their home in West Allis where he attended Holy Assumption Grade School, then Marquette University High School, and Marquette University.
At the height of WWII, Herb and several of his Marquette friends set aside their education at MU and enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he became a pilot, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant. In recent years, Herb has shared many stories about the men he served with, speaking highly of the comradery of his fellow pilots and the missions they flew especially in the North Africa theater including Casablanca, Tripoli and Cairo.
In May of 1944, while home on leave, Herb met Dorothy Wiggers, (a "cute brunette" as he often said), who was soon to be a graduate of Mount Mary College. World War II was in play and Herb was stationed in Africa so their courtship was mostly via mail setting a 75-year story in motion. They married in 1945.
Following discharge, Herb returned to MU to finish his B.S. in Business Administration. Upon graduation he began his professional career joining Price Waterhouse, one of the Big 8 Accounting firms, as an auditor and earned his CPA, before starting his own accounting practice in 1958.
In addition, Herb was an active member of the West Allis Knights of Columbus Council 3095 serving as Financial Secretary for 25 years. A man of the community who was deeply respected for his ethics, honesty, and thoughtfulness, Herb dealt with over 100 businesses and individuals who often times became life-long friends. Frequently he fostered those friendships with a hand written note or a phone call to show his appreciation of them.
Eventually Herb ventured into real estate by building an office building and then lead a group of investors in the development of several subdivisions. All of his endeavors were successful as he understood the financial, legal, and construction elements involved in land development. He was a quick study acquiring knowledge and understanding of anything he encountered.
Throughout his life, his affinity for the outdoors came through in just about all facets. An avid outdoorsman, Herb was passionate about pheasant and duck hunting and particularly loved hunting with his son, David, taking several trips to Iowa, South Dakota, and Canada together. Herb enjoyed the comradery as much as the sport. Along with hunting came many, many dogs which were considered part of our family. Over 80 years the family had 20 dogs, and Herb shared a special bond with each of them. He often quipped "Love me, love my dog."
Herb led an active lifestyle including his love of tennis. He played doubles into his senior years until he was 88 years old enjoying the friendships and competition at the Pleasant Valley Tennis Club. Rarely, if ever to miss a game, Herb avidly watched his beloved Marquette Warriors until his final days. He enjoyed season tickets with his sons for many years. Watching Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers games was always a time to bond with family over food and story-telling.
Herb was of German heritage and made trips to Germany with Dorothy to discover his ancestry. One of his desires was to learn German which he pursued in his nineties. After Herb and Dorothy's children were grown, they enjoyed traveling and had many wonderful adventures throughout the United States including Alaska, plus international adventures to Canada, Germany, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. They especially enjoyed visiting the US National Parks.
However, most important to Herb were his six children. He ensured all of his children attended Catholic schools through high school and each one earned a college degree. He instilled in them a strong work ethic and set a high bar for performance in education. His children carry the name and values instilled in them by Herb and Dorothy from a young age. Of this Herb was most proud. Over the latter years of his life, Herb had grown to appreciate the loving care and companionship his children provided.
Principled beyond measure, Herb valued faith, family, and friendships, and others would describe him as loyal, honest, and filled with integrity. He had a blessed life and one truly well-lived. He will be dearly missed by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Allay Hospice, especially Brandon and Niki, for their compassionate care. Our family feels blessed to have had your kind and gentle care for our father and all of us.
Visitation will be at Queen of Apostles, N35W23360 Capitol Drive Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072, on Friday, July 14, 2023, 9:30 AM-11:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM.