Service Information
James “Jim” C. Puchalski, age 93, of Buffalo Lake, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island, Minnesota with interment in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Hector Township, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Hughes-Hantge Funeral Chapel in Hector with Prayer Service at 4:00 P.M. and will continue one hour prior to the service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Obituary
James Carl Puchalski was born on August 14, 1928, in Morris, Minnesota. He was the son of Otto and Fern (Gepner) Puchalski. Jim was baptized as an adult at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector and confirmed in his faith as a youth, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. He received his education at Danvers Public School in Benson, Minnesota.
On July 10, 1948, Jim was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mihm at St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector. This marriage was blessed with ten children, Jeanne, Mary, Roberta, Lawrence, Michael, Katherine, Theresa, Timothy, Dana, and Corey. Jim and Bette resided in Benson for a short time and then spent the rest of their life together in Buffalo Lake. They shared 43 years of marriage until the passing of Bette on March 8, 1992.
Jim began an impressive baking career at 16 in the Benson Bakery, and he loved sharing many stories about his years there. After their marriage, Jim and Bette owned and operated the Buffalo Lake Home Bakery for 47 years, building a small-town institution that is still remembered with great fondness. Jim invented many of his best recipes, including the accidental creation of cinnamon sticks, and his bakery was known for its delicious peanut bars, breads, and rolls. Jim retired from the bakery in 1991, but continued to bake for decades longer.
At age 70, he started a new business. He bought a sawmill and built his own wood kiln to add to his existing woodworking shop in the backyard. Jim enjoyed making cabinets and other items for the church, nursing home, and the Ronald McDonald House. He also spent his time on many woodworking projects for his children and grandkids. Jim had a quick mind and keen sense of humor, and you could count on him for giving inspiring, heartfelt advice to those he loved. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Jim was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Hector, and more recently, St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bird Island.
Jim passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at Carris Health Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota, at the age of 93 years and one month.
Blessed be his memory.
Jim is survived by his:
Children, Jeanne Kadelbach of Buffalo Lake, MN,
Mary Karl of Hutchinson, MN,
Lawrence Puchalski of Buffalo Lake, MN,
Michael Puchalski and his wife, Laura, of Bird Island, MN,
Katherine Bengtson of Spicer, MN,
Theresa Nelson and her husband, Francis, of Hector, MN,
Timothy Puchalski and his wife, Deanna, of Hutchinson, MN,
Dana Hillesheim and her husband, Bob, of Buffalo Lake, MN,
Corey Puchalski and his wife, Susan, of Richfield, MN;
27 Grandchildren;
28 Great-Grandchildren;
2 Great-Great-Grandchildren;
Sisters, Patricia Baker and her husband, Norman, of Willmar, MN,
Mary Ellen Hoefer of Benson, MN,
Ruth Ann Cleary of Benson, MN,
Joyce Verch and her husband, Jack, of Pennock, MN,
Shirley Razink and her husband, Tom, of Clontarf, MN,
Helen Lee and her husband, Dick, of Benson, MN;
Brother, Otto “Butch” Puchalski of Benson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his Parents, Otto and Fern Puchalski; Wife, Elizabeth Puchalski; Daughter, Roberta Hirschel; Grandson, Christopher Karl; Great-grandson, Ethan Bah; Sister in infancy, Sister, Beverly Hoffman; Brothers, Raymond Puchalski, Edward Puchalski; Father and Mother-in-law, Alfred and Bertha Mihm; Sons-in-law, Dwayne Kadelbach, Bruce Karl, Lance Bengtson.
Dick and Erika Hoversten says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of Jim’s family.
Cherish the memories!!!
Patti Heidemann says
Sorry to hear of your dads passing ,my deepest sympathies!!
Patti Heidemann says
My deepest sympathies!
Heather Winkelmann says
Deepest sympathies to the family on the loss of your loved one. May you have peace and healing.
Joyce Scharmer Spruill says
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I have such fond memories of many sleepovers at your home and the wonderful smells of the bakery when your dad was at work. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family in these days…your parents were so loving and sweet to me and I cherished Robbie’s friendship and miss her!!! Love to each of you…Joyce Scharmer Spruill
Gayle Maurer says
Our deepest sympathy to all the families…Jim was a great man and role model..
Lila says
My sympathies to the family. Jim was such an interesting, kind man. We shared a few conversations when we would pass as we were out walking. He raised a great family . He will be missed by so many.
Twyla G Waller says
Puchalski Families:
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. I will always remember as a young child, getting to go the Bakery for a “Treat”. Elephant Ears, Peanut Bars, and Chocolate Glazed donuts!! Blessed be Jim’s memory.
Twyla & Chuck
Jaime says
My mom, Ruth, was Bette’s sister. I loved visiting Jim and Bette and my cousins in Buffalo Lake. I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He had such a full life and will be missed. ~Jaime Thomas
Paula Richards Kurtz says
My sympathy to all. Blessed be his memory.
Denise says
My deepest sympathy to the family. May you find comfort in your memories.
Denise Hentges
Randy and Sara Buboltz says
We are sorry for your loss. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless and comfort you.
Ken Schweikert says
Sorry to hear about your loss. Remember talking to Jim last when my Uncle Duane Wiest and I walked over for a nice visit. Jesus loves you Puchalski family!
Nancy Blumhoefer says
My sympathy to you on the death of your father. I have such fond memories of the Buffalo Lake bakery. Blessings to you.