Frank Pukys

1962 - 2023

Frank Pukys, age 61, of Rock Springs, passed away peacefully at the UW Hospital in Madison, surrounded by his loving family, on Thursday October 26th, 2023. Frank was born on March 27th, 1962, in Forest View, Illinois to his mother Colleen (Kilroy) Pukys and father, Laddie Pukys. He was the youngest of four children including his three older sisters, Cathy, Colleen (Cookie), and Joann. Frank had attended Morton West High School in Berwyn Illinois. After high school he became a part time Forest View firefighter and paramedic during the early 1980's before eventually switching careers to become a professional truck driver. Frank married his close friend and first wife Nancy (Kosmider) Pukys in 1990. In 1989, he began his career at Kehe Foods in which he remained until his early retirement in 2010, due to illness, with over 20 years of service.

Frank and Nancy were avid outdoor enthusiasts all through their time together. Always finding an opportunity to escape Chicagoland and spend time out on their pontoon boat or travel trailer along with their fur babies whenever they had a spare moment.

During the holidays of 2009, he believed he had come down with a bad case of bronchitis, but by January of 2010, he was unfortunately diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. A disease which altered the trajectory of his life. Fortunately, and through the grace of God, Frank was able to receive a double lung transplant in 2011, saving his life. Although such procedures are typically expected to result in 5-7 years of additional life, miraculously, Frank was given another 12 years to enjoy with his loved ones.

After retirement he made the move from the Chicago suburbs to rural Wisconsin and was remarried to his best friend and soulmate Tammy (Pfaff) Pukys on June 3, 2017 in Rock Springs, Wisconsin. For a "city guy" Frank adapted quite quickly to the country life. Often, he would assist his father-in-law Jimmie on the family's cattle farm. Shortly after, and never one to want to stop working with his hands, he began a small engine repair and maintenance business, which he ran out of their home until his illness eventually made it too difficult to continue. During this time, he was not only a loving husband, but happily embraced his new role as father to Tammy's two daughters. Frank and Tammy enjoyed much of their time camping and playing cards. They would also cherish their long drives together throughout the Wisconsin countryside. As non-conventional as it may have been, both Tammy and Frank's first wife Nancy became close friends and the three of them often spent time and vacationed together over the years.

Frank had a wonderfully wicked sense of humor and was quick to make new friends. He was always one to have fun at his own and, of course, at others expense. He thoroughly enjoyed a good practical joke and could "dish it out" as well as he could take it. Stories can be shared from almost every member of his extended family, and many of his co-workers, of Frank pulling pranks on them at some time or place. In his later years he continued in his revelry, regularly volleying practical jokes between himself and his two daughters, Bailey and Lily, who adored him greatly. He was an avid animal lover throughout his life, all of his dogs and cats were treasured and cared for as young children. He had a robust love for engines which began in his youth, working with the encouragement of his father, building and maintaining cars and trucks with his teenage friends in their garage. He carried this love of working with machinery and engines all through his life. Frank loved his extended family and maintained a close and loving relationship with many of them, especially his nephews. Enjoying such activities as fishing, camping, and long conversations with them over the years. He was always available to help whenever a friend or family member was in need or required a helping hand. Frank played many roles throughout his life. Husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, comedian, hero, and best friend.

Frank is survived by his wife Tammy (Pfaff) Pukys, daughters Bailey and Lily Deering (Tanner Hinze), and fur babies and companions, Scout, Rosie, Sassy, and Tiger. Sisters, Cathy Burlison, Colleen (Michael Sr.) Tagney, and Joann (Scott) Mlady. Nephews, Jeff Kilroy, Nick Mikolajczak, Michael Tagney, and Ryan Mlady. Nieces, Kelly Mlady, Tracie DePasquale, Amy Borowski, Natalie Vicinelly. Mother-in-law Donna Pfaff, sister-in-law Becky Vorndran (Tim Ploof) and brother-in-law Jim (Kyla) Pfaff. He is preceded in death by his father Laddie Pukys, mother Colleen, father-in-law Jimmie Pfaff.

A small memorial service will be held at a later date per Frank's request.