Jon Alan Putzke

Jon Alan Putzke, 76, of New Buffalo, MI, passed away peacefully at his home on February 4th, 2025.
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret M. Zientarski Putzke; their son, Brandon Jon (Mary) Putzke; and grandchildren, Grace Putzke and Corporal Tyler Putzke.
Jon was born on March 7th, 1948, in Michigan City, IN. He grew up in New Buffalo, MI, where he discovered a lifelong passion for the theatre. Over his 68-year career, Jon directed numerous theatrical productions across the Midwest, including at The Dunes Summer Playhouse (Michiana, IN), The Gateway Players and The Tin Tree (New Buffalo, MI), Drury Lane (Chicago, IL), The Mountaineer Dinner Theatre (Hurricane, WV), and in Florida, where his work spanned hundreds of shows at the Musicana Dinner Theatres of West Palm, Indian Harbor, and Vero Beach, as well as Riverside Theatre, Encore Alley, the Vero Beach Theatre Guild, and Theatre-Go-Round Dinner Theatre.
Jon and Marg's love story began in first grade, blossomed in 7th grade, and culminated in their 55-year marriage, built on a shared love of theatre. Marg contributed to many of Jon's shows as a costume designer and often played piano in "the pit."
Their son, Brandon, is an accomplished percussionist, music educator, and owner of Treasure Coast Percussion and Father & Son Pressure Washing. Brandon and his wife, Mary, have been married for 29 years and have two children: Grace, 25, a nurse in Charlotte, NC, and Tyler, 23, who is completing his four-year service in the United States Marine Corps.
Jon was preceded in death by his brother, Edward J. Putzke, and his parents, Lorna M. Abel Putzke and Edwin W. Putzke.
A visionary in every sense, Jon chose to donate his eyes for transplant to the Lion's World Vision Institute, leaving behind a lasting legacy of generosity.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. John of the Cross on Saturday, February 15th, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m., led by the Knights of Columbus. A Memorial Mass and burial will be held at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo, MI, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. John of the Cross Legacy of Faith Fund or VNA Hospice of Indian River County.