Jerry Puhl

Jerry Puhl, 83, Beloved Fisherman and Family Man

Jerry passed away on June 17th surrounded by loved ones. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Iva Puhl, his children, David Puhl and Jennifer Reedy, and his grandchildren, Charlie Puhl and Carson Puhl.

Jerry wished to have “he lived to fish” engraved on his tombstone as this sums up his life in the simplest of terms. Fishing wasn’t just a pastime- it was his passion, his peace, and his way of connecting with the people and places he loved most. Those who knew Jerry will remember his countless fishing stories and the way he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He had a story for every season to be shared at docks and campfires.

Jerry grew up in St. Cloud, MN where he learned to fish on the Mississippi river and Mille Lacs Lake. When he was recently asked what his favorite fishing adventures were, he recounted these early days of fishing with family and friends. After college, Jerry moved to Monroe, MI because he had heard tails of the walleye fishing on Lake Erie. He met his late wife, Sandy, in Monroe and together they moved to Charlevoix in the late 60’s because “the fishing was better up north”. Jerry’s favorite fishing was for salmon in Lake Michigan, walleye in Walloon Lake and ice fishing in Lake Charlevoix. He worked at Charlevoix Middle School as the shop/science teacher for almost 30 years. He also coached middle school track as well as taught driver’s ed in the summers. Jerry was an accomplished woodworker and finished carpenter. His woodworking projects will be cherished by his family for many years to come. Jerry was a founding member of Water Air Team of Charlevoix (WATCH) where his deep love for the simple joys of nature and conservation found a voice. In retirement, he and Iva traveled to Islamorada in the Florida Keys every winter. His favorite fishing there was for hogfish and his friends in Florida coined the nickname “hogfish Jerry”. The biggest fish Jerry every caught was a 500 pound (by his recollection) black marlin off the coast of Panama.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his family and friends (however, we think the fish will be a little relieved!).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Jerry’s memory by spending a quiet day outdoors- or better yet, by going fishing. In the evening, have a “pour” and a “cheers” to your favorite Jerry memory.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com