Colonel John Puckropp, Sr., age 79, regretfully passed away at his home on the evening of February 6th. Being a military man he was highly-decorated, having served as a pilot in the Air Force for 26 years. Military decorations while serving included: Legion Of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star, Air Medal including three oak leaf clusters, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry including Palm. Towards the end of his time in service he had accumulated 3,700 hours of flying and 470 combat hours flying. In the beginning of his career he flew many B-47’s and at the conclusion was flying every B-52 model in the inventory which, as humble as he was, he could admit to being very proud of.
Post retirement from the Air Force he managed the local Brainerd Airport, and earned the James L. Oberstar award from the Minnesota Counsel of Airports. Even in retirement he was seldom idle, enjoying many well-deserved comforts including spending time with his lovely wife of 56 years, working at their lake cabin in Nisswa or their garden in town. John also enjoyed fishing (either open water or ice) and creating many joyous memories with his children and grandchildren. John, Sr. was at his happiest when his family was all together. In his absence we will continue to be together, knowing that he loves us all and that his legendary memory will forever live on through all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Helen Beth; sister, Sandra Wisen; son, John Jr.; daughters, Cheryl and Jolynn; and grandchildren, Ceaira, Connor, Hunter, Jesse, Kasidy, Victoria, and Saylor. We all love and miss you.
Funeral services will be Monday, February 12, beginning at 10:30 AM at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter. Visitation will be Sunday, February 11, from 2-3 PM and will continue on Monday, February 12 from 10-10:30 AM. Following the funeral service the family will host a luncheon in the Brenny Funeral Chapel reception room. There will then be a procession to Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery near Little Falls for interment with military honors.
Brenny Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service
800-824-5051
www.brenny.com
Visitation Sunday, February 11, 2-3 PM and Monday, February 12, 10-10:30 AM. Luncheon following funeral, at Brenny's reception room. Procession to Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery for burial with military honors, after lunch.
SERVICES
Funeral Service
Monday, February 12, 2018
10:30 AM
Brenny Funeral Chapel, Baxter
7348 Excelsior Rd
Baxter, MN 56425
Visitation Sunday, February 11, 2-3 PM and Monday, February 12, 10-10:30 AM. Luncheon following funeral, at Brenny's reception room. Procession to Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery for burial with military honors, after lunch.
