Gerald L. Puestow, age 88, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026 at Cedar Lake Community Nursing Home in West Bend, with his loved ones by his side.
He was born March 20, 1938 to the late Leroy and Olive (née Patzen) Puestow. He grew up in the Jackson/Richfield area, where he took great pride in raising pigs before he joined the Army following his graduation.
On June 29, 1963 he married the love of his life, Bonnie K. Hafemeister/Styne, at St John’s Lutheran Church in Jackson. Together they built a life in West Bend spending 63 years side by side, raising their family and creating a lifetime of memories.
For the past two years Gerald (Jerry) had resided at Cedar Lake Nursing home, as a fall and the progression of dementia made it no longer possible for him to remain in their home.
After returning from the service, Gerald worked as a mechanic at Ted Lauck Chevrolet, in West Bend, before beginning a 43-year career at Gehl Company, where he remained until retirement.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Bonnie; his daughter Karen (Randy) May; his grandchildren Heather May (special friend Lyle Roteik & his son Matthew); and Dylan May; and his great-grandson Lincoln Roteik. He is further survived by his siblings, Allen (Mary) Puestow, Shirley Thomas, Carol Bellin; along with brothers and sisters in-law: and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Shelly Puestow; his brothers-in-law Larry Thomas and Dennis Bellin, and sister-in-law Janet Puestow.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 30th from 3:00 pm to 5:15 pm at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend. Memorial service at 5:30 pm with a meal to follow. Interment will take place Friday May 1st, at 11:00am at the Washington County Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Aurora Medical Staff in Grafton - including the doctors, heart team, the case managers and especially nurses Maggie & Kelly – as well as the Commonheart Hospice Care team. A special thank you also to the entire care team at Cedar Lake Nursing Home for their compassionate care.
He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever a part of all who knew and loved him. He has been called home and now rests in God’s eternal care.