Dominic "Duke" Puchalla

Dominic “Duke” Puchalla, 80, of Independence, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 24, 2022, at Trempealeau County Healthcare Center. Duke was born on May 18,1942, to Ernest and Pauline (Kampa) Puchalla. He grew up on the century family farm where he helped with many chores including hauling cans of milk to the creamery before school. His love for the farm continued as he helped his brother Andy and in his later years, he would do daily checks on the farms. After graduating from Independence High School, he started working at the Hegge Feed Mill. He was a reliable and skilled handyman that worked road and bridge construction for various companies. Duke belonged to the American Legion Post 186. He served in the National Guard as a medic; he was a sharpshooter and marksman in the range. Duke worked hard and played harder. He had a sense of humor and would entertain by telling many of his jokes. He spent his time cooking, deer hunting, fishing, watching the Packers or Brewers, gardening, and listening to polka music. He could get any party started by cracking a cold one and his rare skill of playing the boomba stick. Duke was always prepared for a card game, especially a good game of whist. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Parish where he volunteered for church events. Duke is survived by his sister, Roselyn (William) Sylla of Elmwood; his brothers, James (LaVonne) Puchalla and Andrew (Carol) Puchalla of Independence; along with many nieces and nephews. Duke is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Pauline Puchalla; niece, Cheryl Sylla; and great niece, Alexandra Pitman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence with Father George T. Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial with military honors presented by Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post #186 will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Saints Peter and Paul Parish. To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com. The family would also like to express a special thank you to Trempealeau County Healthcare Center for the compassionate care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dominic "Duke" Puchalla, please visit our flower store.