Kenneth Paul Pukenis

Kenneth Paul (Mike) Pukenis, age 89 of Culleoka, TN passed away on March 16, at his daughter's home. He is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Bernice (Bunny) Mitchell Pukenis. Kenneth was born on Oct. 30, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI., voluntarily entered military service in 1950 and was honorably discharged from the USAF in 1954. Kenneth and Bunny met in Nashville, Tennessee and were married there on 10 Jan. 1955, then made their home in Milwaukee for the next 30 years. They built a home in Culleoka in 1977, and retired there in 1985. Bunny passed away at MRMC in 2010.

Kenneth worked as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician for the Wisconsin Air National Guard from 1955 till his retirement in 1985, having achieved the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8) and status as an Aircraft Periodic Maintenance Superintendent. He was awarded the USAF Commendation Medal, AM-ADF Reserve Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and AR-ARF Meritorious Service, AF Outstanding Unit, AF Combat Readiness, AF Longevity Service, and Presidential Unit Citation ribbons.

Survived by son Michael (Liz) Pukenis, Minneapolis MN, daughters Vicki (Greg) Stevens, Greentown, PA and Lynn (Robert) D'Amato of Culleoka, TN; 6 grandchildren: Taylor Johnson, Tara Watson, Samuel D'Amato, Katherine D'Amato, Mary Pukenis, Caroline Pukenis; and 3 great-grand children: Alec Jimenez, MacKenzie Johnson, and Kali Earl.

The family is having a private memorial service at a later date.

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences can be given to the family online at www.williamsfh.com