Raymond Puhl

Ray died on April 4 with his family at home at Big Lake after a nine-month battle with cancer.

Raymond Albert Puhl, 80, was born in Rice Lake, Wis., on Nov. 28, 1928. Ray’s family moved to Alaska in 1935 as one of the 204 families of colonists to the Matanuska Valley. Ray grew up and lived in Palmer until 1961 and then moved to Big Lake. Ray worked at Evan Jones Coal Mine from 1951 to 1968, then at the Co-op in Palmer until 1972. He worked at Fisher’s Fuel at Big Lake until retiring in 1990. After retirement, Ray continued his many industrious endeavors building rental property, gardening and fishing. Ray was a member of United Mineworkers and Teamsters.

Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Bethel, sons John and Tom Puhl, daughter Ruth Manual, stepsons Jerry and Tom Winchester, nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Raymond A. Puhl Jr. and his brother Lloyd Puhl Sr.

Arrangements were entrusted to the Hasara Family at the Cremation Society of Alaska. An online guestbook can be signed at www.alaskacremation.com.