Robert "Punch" Puncochar

Robert "Punch" Puncochar

WWII Merchant Marine

Loving husband, father, grandfather. Bob passed away peacefully on November 18, 2018 at age 92. Robert Paul Puncochar was born April 13, 1926 in Watertown, South Dakota, to Francis and Myrle Piper Puncochar. He married Ardis Eken, August 21, 1948, and together they raised 9 children. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife Ardis; his parents; his wife's parents, Joseph and Julie Moe Eken; infant son; granddaughter, Amanda; brother- and sister-in-laws James and Marlys (Eken) Reuland, Marjorie Eken, James and Ruth (Eken) Wells, and Joseph "Dick" Eken.

He is survived by nine children: sons Joel (Sandee), John (Dawn), Paul (Amy), and Phillip; daughters Julie Puncochar, Lynn (John) Tenney, Jill Puncochar Hall, Myrl (Scott) Youngman, and Carol Richardson. He is also survived by his brother Glenn (Darlene) Puncochar, sister-in-law Joan (Robert) Gilroy,17 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Miller High School and South Dakota State University. He had a diverse career working for Habischt Haberdashery, SDSU, Pauldor Builders, Gottschalk Construction Speedee Construction, Associated Consultants, De Laval Turbine, Univac (Unisys), FMC and Cray Research, among others. He was a member of the Maple Grove City Council for many years and also served as the deputy mayor. He served on the planning commissions for both Brooklyn Center and Maple Grove. Bob, Ardis and family were charter members of Advent Lutheran Church in 1966.

He loved his family, spending time with his wife and friends in their Mission, Texas motor home community, farming, running their tree nursery, and learning new crafts like woodcarving and winemaking. Family gatherings were always noisy, full of love, laughter and food. We will miss him but grateful that he and Ardis are reunited.

A heartfelt thanks to Rose Arbor in Maple Grove and St Therese Nursing Home in New Hope for their special care. Memorial service 11 AM, Saturday, November 24 at Advent Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Visitation from 10 to 11 AM, Saturday at the church. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Therese of New Hope.