Carmen Jean Pufall
A memorial mass for Carmen will be offered at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Friendship, Wi., on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at 11:30 AM, by celebrant, Fr. James McNamee. Carmen’s cremains will be interred in St. Leo’s Cemetery, Friendship, Wi., following the service.
There will be two opportunities for visitation. The first visitation for Carmen will be held from 4PM to 8PM on Wednesday evening, November 11, 2015, at Roseberry’s Funeral Home. The second visitation will be prior to the memorial mass, on Thursday, November 12, 2015, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Friendship, Wi., from 9:30 AM to 11:10 AM. The St. Joseph’s Parish Council of Catholic Women will then pray the rosary for Carmen beginning at 11:10 AM, immediately preceding the memorial mass.
Carmen was born Carmen Jean Roy, September 17, 1943, in Ashland, Wi., of Thomas and Lucille Roy. She was the middle child of three children: a sister, Carolyn Hogan (Tom), of LaCrescent, Mn., and her younger brother, Peter Roy, (Rosalie) of Stoughton, Wi. She attended Holy Family Catholic School and DePadua Catholic High School, in Ashland, Wi., graduating with the class of 1961.
She then received a two-year teaching certificate from Ashland County Teachers’ College, Ashland, Wi., before teaching one year at Wauka School, Wauka, Wi. She took night classes from UW Oshkosh, summer classes from Northland College, Ashland, Wi. and then spent one year and a summer attending UW Superior, Superior, Wi., earning her B.S. degree in elementary education there in 1965. She then taught for two years at Fort Howard School in Green Bay, Wi., before entering into marriage with her husband, Ronald Pufall, at Holy Family Catholic Church, Ashland, Wi., on June 10, 1967.
Next, she taught second grade for one year at Big Rock Elementary School, Big Rock, Il., before moving to Mondovi, Wi., where she taught second grade for one year at Mondovi Elementary School. She then left teaching to have a family, having two children while living in Mondovi: son, Tad Pufall, in 1969, and daughter, Christie Pufall, in 1970.
In 1974, the family relocated to Adams-Friendship. Carmen taught G.E.D. students, part-time, at Mid-State Technical College before accepting a teaching position for sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at DeGeorge Elementary School for the Adams-Friendship Area Schools. After the DeGeorge fire, she taught at Lincoln Elementary until moving in to the old Adams Elementary in Adams, where she taught fourth grade, then second grade, before moving to the new Adams-Friendship Elementary, with second grade rounding out her teaching career. In addition, she had also acquired an additional 30 graduate-credits in education over the span of her career. When she retired in 2002, she then continued teaching as a substitute for the A-F School District until 2013. She loved teaching and thoroughly enjoyed working with the children, some of whom ended up being children of her former students. If she could bring in an art project, a song, a theatrical skit, whatever, so much the better! She enthusiastically promoted learning and made sure it included plenty of fun!
She was an incessant reader, an outstanding homemaker and mother, decorator, cook, cleaner, baker. She enjoyed travel including many trips to Branson, Mo., a twenty-fifth anniversary trip to Hawaii, and two trips to Europe, in addition to extensive travel throughout the states. She enjoyed going to music concerts, shopping for bargains, going to garage sales, to movies, to Green Devil basketball games. She enjoyed collecting teapots, walking, visiting and laughing with friends, doing Elaine Babcock’s annual garage sale, family get-togethers, singing and acting with the Sand County Players, singing in the church choir at St. Joseph’s. On TV, she enjoyed watching game shows, many movies, home and garden TV, American Idol, etc., performing-arts award shows, as well as going to live theatre and many live concerts. She was especially proud of and enjoyed visiting her two grandsons, Kellen and Kade Ducklow.
She was a member of the Adams County Historical Society, Friends of the Library, St. Joseph’s Parish Council of Catholic Women, the A.C.T. (the Adams Community Theater), Adams County Retired Educators, and Sand County Players. She was a grade-school and high school cheerleader, worked as a life-guard, and held a Water-Safety Instructor’s Certificate. She had a positive and indomitable zest for life that was contagious to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by all – family, friends, and the community.
Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Lucille Roy, of Ashland Wi. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Pufall, Friendship, Wi.; her son, Tad Pufall of Tomah, Wi.; her daughter, Christie Ducklow (Brad) of Oconomowoc, Wi.; and her two grandsons, Kellen Ducklow, and Kade Ducklow, also of Oconomowoc, Wi.
The family would like to express its thanks to the wonderful staffs at Riverview Hospital and the UW Cancer Center, Wisconsin Rapids; and to all of Carmen’s caregivers at Villa Pines Living Center, Friendship, Wi. Thank you, also, to all those who stopped by, sent cards, called, sent flowers, sent prayers or good wishes, brought food. In lieu of flowers, interested parties may make donations to the Adams-Friendship Cancer Relay for Life, or the A-F Performing Arts Center. Thank you.
I send my sympathies to Ron and family. Carmen was always a joy to be around. Lots of laughs at Sand County Player events. I always came away with a smile whenever I talked to her. What a great lady! Sorry for your loss.
Carmen deserved all the tributes she has received. Ron and Carmen, what a wonderful couple! I have always loved them . I knew them when they were kids.
My deepest sympathy to you Ron and your family. Always enjoyed visiting with Carmen.
Ron and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Carmen always made such a nice impression on everyone I know who knew her, from my Grandson Noah, who had her as a substitute teacher, to myself who always made the best goodies you always brought into work. I hope you have only the good memories left and can always hear her laugh in your mind when you think of her. Our deepest sympathies are with you.
Joseph, Michael and Kathleen Partipilo.
Prayers, love and light. A wonderful woman. Any memory I have of “Mrs. Pufall” is filled with an engaging, vibrant, loving personality.
Ron, I am so very very sorry to learn of Carmen’s death. Such a gracious, generous lady….especially nice memories for me involve the several years of singing for Mass on Saturday nights at St. Joseph’s with you, Carmen, Donna and Nina. Carmen had such pride in your lovely home, and was so proud of all your efforts to make your home comfortable. I don’t think I’ll ever forget at Christmas time how she decked out every single inch of your house with all her collections. What a sad loss for you and your family. Prayers and hugs…..
Carmen was so full of life with a great sense of humor. I always thanked her for leading the singing at church when we would attend there. I know it was not easy at times with her condition. She will be greatly missed by so many people who knew her. R.I.P. Carmen and enjoy your heavenly home. You have earned your angel wings!!
I have so many great memories of Carmen. She was always so positive and energetic. She was a whirlwind! I loved when she was subbing. She would get the kids so excited about learning. She made the world a better place and had an impact on so many people, young and old. She will be missed.
Ron and children
I was so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. What a great lady! A friend to everyone who met her. I and everyone at Mass on Saturday evenings have missed her smiling face……and how she lead us in song, just is not the same without her. My condolences to you all and please know your in my thoughts and prayers. Hold all those beautiful memories Carmen close to your hearts and say her name often………..it does help.
Carmen fought so hard for so long and now she is at peace. May God bring strength and comfort to all of your family during this difficult and sad time.
Carmen fought the “good fight” these past years, with grace and humor. I will always remember hearing that soprano voice when we did choral numbers for SCP…boy, could she hit the high notes….just like Joan. She saw the fun in everyday things and touched the lives of so many children.My sons always thought she was such a “wild and crazy” teacher which they loved!! Ron, you have been an inspiration to many on how you have loved your wife ….and stood by her always, in her hours of need. God bless you all and bring you peace.
Aunt Carmen lived a rich life and was a wonderful person. I will remember her as perpetually full of vim and vigor with a passion for life.
Just recently got to spend time with Carmen after I got involved with Friends of the Library. She was a force to be reckoned with. A spunky gal. She will be missed.
Love to the family. She was such a great lady. I substitute taught for a while and she was always helpful and cheerful and encouraging. What a great legacy she leaves.
Ron, So sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to you and family. You are in my prayers.
Sending good thoughts and prayers. So many fond memories of the early days in the Sand County Players. Rest in peace sweet Carmen.
We will miss aunt Carmen. She was had a passion for helping and teaching others as long as I have can remember. I am sure her soul is at rest now. God Bless her.
I have so many wonderful memories of Carmen I’d have to write a book to share them all. Heaven will be entertained daily by their amazing new angel! Love you Carmen, you will be missed by so many!
So sad to see this. She was a wonderful teacher and beautiful lady inside and out. My sympathies to her family.
Bless her heart. She was such a kind woman. How lucky we were to have you in our lives as our teacher and friend. God Bless you and your family.
We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Pufall, she was Vinnie’s 2nd Grade Teacher at A/F Elementary, Vin loved Mrs. Pufall, she was a great teacher & a great lady, such a very nice person, she will be missed, our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Dear friends, our congregation has been lifting Carmen and her family up in prayer over these past months. Her life touched so many people in so many wonderful ways. She was well loved and will be missed terribly.
May the good Lord grant you comfort as only He can and give you peace.
You have my deepest sympathies.
I’m so sad about this and I actually just found out. She was a wonderful person and a teacher. She will never be forgotten.
We are sorry Ron, for you and your family. Carmen has moved on to one of Gods many mansions! May he bless you and family at this time.
Carmen always seemed to be having a good time. Her positivity was contagious. It was a honor to know her and spend time with at SCP. I’m so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.
Ron and family we are so sorry for your loss of a wonderful woman who could make us all laugh at life. We will miss her.
So sorry about the loss of a wonderful person. Carmen was always bubbly, kind, and out-going. We loved seeing and hearing her at church. We are blessed Arran and Hannah sang with her in the choir occasionally. She encouraged their love of singing. She had a sympathetic ear for Dennis when they talked shop (school). What a treasure and we are sure that as God blessed the earth with her, He is now enjoying her company in heaven. God Bless.
Sorry for your loss.
Mrs Pufall was my 2nd grade teacher and always my favorite she was such a delightful soul, she will be missed.
Carmen was one of the best….. Jordan was 4 years old and Adam was in her class, Jordan couldn’t pronounce her last name quite right and it always came out Mrs. Poosball. Even after Jordan was grown and she would see him she would always remind us of that name and we would all have a good laugh…Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Carmen was a sweet and kind person along with being a great teacher. She was loved by her students. She will be missed by all. Our prayers are with you.
Ron and family, so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. Her I I would always talk about our passion of garage sales.
She was a wonderful person, so kind. She will be missed in the community.
Ron and family. . . Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. May you find peace in the days ahead!
Mr. Pufall and family,
I am truly sorry for your loss! Mrs. Pufall had the most beautiful soul and it spread to all those around her. She may have taught second grade, but the memories from her classroom have a permanent place in my heart 17 years later. I loved seeing her randomly around town and catching up. I will miss those encounters, but will treasure the times I had with her.
May peace and love surround your family during this difficult time.
To Carmen ‘s family…thoughts and prayers to all of you.Carmen was a person who loved life and always has a friendly word. I loved her enthusiasm .
Ron and family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Have many memories of our times together in Friendship. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Will miss my dear friend Carmen. It was an honor to know and love her as a friend. You have our deepest sympathy Ron and family.
Ron and Family,
I so enjoyed teaching with Carmen. I loved her personality.
God Bless You All
Was one of my favorite teachers when I was a kid. Always Positive, always in a good mood, always pushing us to do our best. She will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to friends and family.
Ron, so sorry to hear of Carmen’s passing. She was such a wonderful lady. Our sympathy go out to you and your family.
Carmen and I were graduating classmates from DePadua High School.
Sending my sincere sympathy to her family on their loss.
Mr. Pufall and family, I send my deepest condolences. Mrs. Pufall was a wonderful lady who had really lived life and showed many of us kids how to live it to the fullest. She had a big heart for anyone willing to learn. I am proud to have known her and I always looked up to you (Mr. Pufall) and her. Thank you for all your lessons.
To Ron and family. Carmen was a sparkling person who shared her talent within the school and community. Hold on o the wonderful memories and the will be the treasures in your heart. You are in our thought and prayers.
Dear Ron and family: We were so very sad to hear about Carmen’s passing. We talked about what a “goofy” joy she always was. We had such fun together at teacher parties or basketball games. She always made us laugh. So many memories. . . Think of those Ron and let them comfort you. Just put up Thanksgiving decorations last week and have two that our daughter made in 4th grade when she had Carmen for a teacher. Both say “To Mrs. Pufall, From Betsy!” We will offer prayers for her and you. Denise and I decided that she is with Joan Jones now and they are singing together and getting into all kinds of trouble, but most of all, having fun! God bless! We now live in Stoughton so we will attempt to make contact with her brother.
I always admired her bubbly personality. Still young, though. She had touched so many people. Our sympathies are with you and your family. Life is short. Terri and Tom
My deepest sympathy to the entire Pufall Family. She was a wonderful, happy, full of life person. It was always such a joy to see her around town. I remember the fun she had at the Babcock annual rummage sale. She has left a legacy that will last a long time. Remember her joy and laughter.
So sorry for your family’s loss. She was a great teacher.. She will be missed
So sorry for your loss Carmen she was a wonderful person and I enjoyed seeing her and talking to her well miss her dearly she was great in the sand county players play watching her so sorry Ron for your loss she was such a great and kind person I’m thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time she was a great teacher when I was in school
I’m so sorry for your loss! She was one of my favorite teachers
Sorry for your loss. Carmen had a wonderful spirit that will continue to shine light in all those who were touched by her presence. May your hearts and minds be blessed with the many wonderful memories of her.
Prayers of peacefulness for all of you ~ Theresa Dolata
My deepest condolences to Mr. Pufall and the family. She was an amazing teacher and person. She was such a ray of sunshine. She will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Mrs. Pufall.
I am so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing person.
So sorry to hear of her passing! My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. May gods grace be upon you all.
Ron, Tad, & Christie,
We now have an energetic angel in heaven. Ron and I are deeply sorry for your loss; however you have a million good memories to carry you all through until you meet again. You already know what a super special person she was. Our goal in life is to leave a legency and that Carmen did with such style, grace and humor. Stay close as a family and talk about all of the good times. God Bless you all and keep you strong
Ron and Family. So sorry to hear about your loss. Carmen was always so friendly every time I saw her. She touched many lives during her teaching years. I’m sure she made a difference to many. God Bless you during this difficult time.
To Carmen’s Family, former students, coworkers and community…we all were blessed to have had Carmen in our lives and her loss will be felt by the many generations she touched. The angels will now enjoy her many talents and giving spirit. Fly high dear lady.
I’m at a huge loss for words! She was such an amazing soul! Rest in Peace Mrs.Pufall..
Thoughts and prayers to you all. Carmen was one of the most unique and zestful women I have ever known. Her laughter was contagious. She will be sorely missed.
So sorry to hear… She was my favorite teacher ever. I will never forget her.. so happy I got to see her not long ago.
RIP Mrs Pufall..
So sorry to lose one of our outstanding teachers- a fun loving gal. She gave her all- and it was always a great pleasure to be around her. My sympathy to all her family.
Ron, Tad and Christie you are in my thoughts and prayers. Carmen was a special lady, no matter where I saw her she always had a smile, many childhood memories of running between your house and Alison’s during the summer months while we were growing up. I had the privilege of talking with her many times towards the end and she never would use the words “give up” it was always “see ya later sweetie” she loved life, she loved everything about making people happy, even when we moved back to Adams my kids LOVED having her as their substitute teacher, I would listen as the kids told me how great she was (I already knew that) please know my sympathies are with you all. God Bless!
Our area has lost a wonderful lady. Her volunteer efforts will be missed as well as her humor! My sympathy to you all!
I am so deeply sorry for your loss, My thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Ron, Tad, Christie & families – you have our deepest sympathies in the loss of your wonderful Carmen. She was a huge part of the Adams-Friendship landscape. This community was lucky to have such a dedicated educator & supporter of all things AF. She will be deeply missed by many. Keep your memories close, I know that she will be guiding you always. Peace & prayers during this difficult time.
So sorry on your loss
It was truly an honor to have met Mrs. Pufall, she was a great asset to the community and a great roll model for her students. Tutoring for her second grade class was one of my favorite high school experiences. So sorry for your loss.
I got to know Carmen when her and Elaine would set the whole exhibit building up with Jane Thursday morning for viewing at the Adams County fair. This was not always an easy task, but they did with pride, excitement and humor. We as a board appreciated all she did for our fair and for our community. Carmen was such a giver of life. She will be missed. My condolences to her family. Thinking of you Ron, Tad and Christie. May God comfort you in your loss.
You have my deepest sympathy. Great woman who gave it all.
To the family I send heartfelt condolences. Mrs Pufall was an energetic and charismatic ray of light. She made learning fun and was a fan of rewarding with treats. She will live on in the lives of those your touched. May God comfort the family during this time of great loss.
Rest in peace Mrs. Pufall
My deepest sympathies to Ron, Tad, and Christie. Carmen was such a fantastic lady. I always looked up to her. When I first knew her when I was just a student myself, she was full of enthusiasm and joy. When she was my children’s teacher, she was full of that same zest for adventure. When she was my colleague, she was a pleasure to work with. I always knew she would bring excitement and energy to whatever was in the works. She fought her cancer with such grace and dignity. And I admired her for that. Carmen was truly a remarkable wkman. She will be missed by so many. Her impact was far. She will never be forgotten. May she be in God’s loving hands and be at peace now.
Dear Ron, Tad and Christie…
I was so sad when I found out about Carmen. So many memories of life on Walker Street flooded my mind. She will be so missed. Her pain is over now though. I can’t help but think about how Carmen is making God laugh right now and how she is bringing that extra bit of spunk to the heavenly realms. She is going to get to experience Christmas with the birthday boy Himself in just a few weeks. I know she will be joining the angel choir as they sing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” to celebrate Jesus’ birth. You are all in my prayers. Love to you all.
Melody and Hope
Carmen has always been a favorite of mine. I loved her spirit and kindness towards all children and adults. I loved when she would bring bags of “treasures” for the students. She was always my first choice to sub in my class. I will miss her dearly. My sincere condolences to you Ron, your children, and your grandchildren. God has a new special angel to watch over the rest of us.
We are sorry for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that others care. You have our deepest sympathies…
Mr. Pufahl, Tad and Christie-
I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. Pufahl was truly a wonderful woman and educator. The impression she made on me, the way she empowered me to be myself and the extra time she took to be sure I was challenged is something I will never forget. She helped shape the person that I am today and for that I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for sharing your wife and mom with me and so many other kids throughout the years. I hope you take comfort in the knowledge that she truly made a difference. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron and family,
We are so sorry to hear about Carmen’s loss. She was a very kind hearted person. She will be missed by many. Blessing and prayers to your family during these hard times.
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Mrs Pufall made an impact on my life (as well as many others I am certain). Wonderful teacher- kind heart and soft soul – she is most definitely in heaven enjoying her peace.
Blessings to her family.
Ron and family…..Sorry to hear of Carmen’s loss. The world will miss her. She was always full of sunshine and happiness. Prayers for you all.