Bernard R. Puvalowski

Mr. Bernard “Bernie” R. Puvalowski, a prominent area farmer, 78 of Ruth, passed away Sunday, December 9, 2012 at his residence with his loving family by his side. Bernie was born on May 20, 1934 in Sigel Township, the oldest child of the late Frank and Sylvia (Pawlowski) Puvalowski. He married Mary Ann Plevnia on October 27, 1955. She preceded him in death on August 27, 1965. He married Betty Bartek on August 9, 1969 at St Cyril Catholic Church in Bannister, MI. Farming was Bernie’s true passion in life. While he farmed, he also worked at Nestles Factory in Ubly for several years. He was a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville where he was currently President of the Cemetery Committee. He also served as a Eucharist Minister, Usher, and member and past Chairperson of the Festival Committee for many years. He was a member of the Ubly Community School Board where he served as President for several years. Bernie loved polka music, dancing and playing his guitar. His other passion in life was spending time with his family, especially when they would all gather at his home for Christmas Eve. He also enjoyed birthday visits to his children and grandchildren. Bernie is survived by his wife of 43 years, Betty of Ruth; eight children, Debra (David) Armbruster of Pigeon, Claude (Denise) Puvalowski of Ruth, Jean (David) Helewski of Bad Axe, Loraine (William) Goretski of Port Austin, Diane Puvalowski of Bad Axe, Jamie (David) Siemen of Harbor Beach, Scott (Caren) Puvalowski of Ubly, Angela (Charles) Stringer of Palms; 27 grandchildren, Adam, Brittany and Bryce Armbruster, Jessica (Jason) Parsons, Kristen (Frank) Richard, Tracy Puvalowski, Jackie Puvalowski, Laura (Jason) Williams, Jared Puvalowski, Stacey (Ron) Roberts, Erica Helewski and Craig Helewski and Kayla Bond, Nathan (Laura) Goretski, Aaron and Stephanie Goretski, Devin Hiller and Danielle Welsh, Nicole Hiller and Fiance Scott Selby, Brad, Andrew, Cody, Ryan and Jordan Siemen, Melanie, Ashley and Courtney Puvalowski, Camry and Derek Stringer; 6 great grandchildren, Madelyn, Taylor and Allyson Parsons, Raigan and Kendall Richard, Baby Williams; four brothers, Leonard (Patricia), Raymond (Joyce), Eugene (JoAnn), Bob Puvalowski; two sisters, Eleanor (Norman) Messing, Beatrice (Richard) Tschirhart, in-laws, Roxanne Puvalowski, Marie (Jim) Hurst, Frank Plevnia, Virginia Plevnia JoAnn (David) Fogarty, Emelie (Russell) Schoch, Dorothy Bartek; many nieces and nephews. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, one sister, JoAnn Puvalowski, three brothers, John, Joseph and Jerome, in-laws Ed and Romanda Plevnia, Joe & Anna Bartek, one brother-in-law, Ed Plevnia Jr. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Friday, December 14 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Parisville. Rev. Peter Nwokoye, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly on Wednesday from 4-9 pm, Thursday from 1-9 pm and Friday from 10-11 am at the church only. There will be a parish vigil service Wednesday evening at 6:45 pm and a St. Mary Men’s Club rosary Thursday evening at 7:30 pm. Both services will be at the funeral home. Memorials have been requested to the Family Discretionary Fund.