Stephen Allen Punzel

Stephen Allen Punzel, age 77 of Oconomowoc, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Stephen was born on May 15, 1947, in Beloit WI, to the late Raymond and Audrey Punzel.

Stephen is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Punzel and his children Peter (Julie) Punzel and Sarah (Scott) Anderson along with his grandchildren Nick and Ben Punzel and Elliot and Ruthie Anderson. Also, his brother Krist (Carol) Punzel and brother Jim (Sally) Punzel, his Aunt Marie Elifritz, nieces and many cousins.

Steve was incredibly proud of his time in the military, with boots on the ground in the Air Force for 4 years, 1967 to 1970. Steve then dedicated 20 years to the 128th Air National Guard from which he retired in 1993. He maintained close relationships with his friends from his National Guard days with breakfast once a month.

Through his life, Steve enjoyed the outdoors from taking many trips to explore Sanibel Island, with sightseeing on the way, to watching endless nature shows. Steve was a prolific gardener, growing both vegetables and beautiful flowers. He was an avid golfer, 2-3 times per week during the season. In his spare time, he was a talented wood worker. He made the raised beds used in his gardens. He also converted an antique sleigh into a coffee table, an old wooden wash tub into an end table, and hand-made all the cabinets in a kitchen. But Steve will be remembered most for his awesome sense of humor and his quick wit.

A Celebration of Stephen’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, with a visitation starting at 1:00 PM until time of service at 3:00 PM at Pagenkopf Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Spring at Summit Cemetery.