Joseph F. Puza, 82, of Rhinelander, died March 9, 2012, at the Friendly Village. He was born on March 27, 1919, in Laona, to John and Matilda Puza.

Joe attended school in Laona. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in Europe. Joe married Helen Shimkus on March 30, 1943, in Iron Mountain, Michigan. Together, they resided in Rhinelander; raising their family of two sons and nephew. Joe was a longtime employee of the Rhinelander Paper Company, where he served as office printing coordinator. He was a member of Nativity of Our Lord / St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Joe is survived by two sons, Laurence “Larry” (Mickey) Puza of Deerfield, and Roger (Drexena) Puza of Charleston, S.C.; special nephew, Clarence (Sue) Puza of Rhinelander; five grandsons; and three great grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents; his wife, Helen on February 3, 2009; and a brother, Albert.

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, March 14, at 11 a.m., at Nativity of Our Lord Parish – St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Tom Thakadipuram officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Carlson Funeral Home, where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until the time of mass on Wednesday at the church. Interment with military honors will follow at Newbold Cemetery.

(Carlson Funeral Home)