Anthony 'Tony' Puklich , 81, Steele, died Monday, September 9, 2013 in a Bismarck hospital.

Tony was born March 3, 1932 on the family farm near Braddock, ND to Frank and Mary (Shortic) Puklich. He attended country school near their farm and assisted his family with the daily operation of their farm.

Tony entered the US Army on August 19, 1952, serving his country honorably until his discharge on August 2, 1954.

Following his discharge he continued his education in NDSCS in Wahpeton and Fargo. He received his training as a mechanic, electrician and also was certified in welding.

He returned to his roots following his military service, when he took a job with Kidder County. He maintained and built roads, honed his skills as a mechanic for almost 20 years.

Tony was united in holy marriage to Bernice Meier on July 9, 1971 at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Steele. They moved to the family farm located 6 miles south of Steele in 1972, where they were blessed to raise 5 children.

Puklich Custom Hay Hauling continued on that farm for the next 43 years. In addition to the use of his stack mover he built, Tony expanded the business to custom swathing and bailing with the help of his family until his health and the loss of his shop in 2012 to a fire forced his retirement at the age of 80.

He loved to work in the yard and was often found 'tinkering' in that shop. Many things were custom made for his stack mover and large repairs to equipment were considered routine.

In addition to work, Tony found time to enjoy the outdoors during his life. He enjoyed fishing and often spoke of hunting in the day when there weren't any limits on game. He was often found on the pond behind his house shooting ducks, geese or looking for the next big buck with his family and friends.

He was a member of St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Steele. Tony was devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, trusted brother and true friend. He will be missed by all who shared in his life.

His loving family includes his loving wife of 42 years, Bernice Puklich, Steele, ND; children, Lisa (Gene) Wetzstein, Tampa, FL, Garrick (Joanna) Puklich, St. Paul, MN, Greg (Laura) Puklich, St. Paul, MN, Desiree (Jason) Harter, Rapid City, SD and Shawn Puklich, Mandan, ND; grandchildren, Jacob and Caleb Wetzstein and Rylan and Ava Harter; sisters, MaryAnn Brownlee, Dallas, TX, Fran Loepke, Bismarck, ND and Rose Knudson, Piasa, IL; brothers, Mike (Karen) Puklich, Chaska, MN and Frank Puklich, Steele, ND and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Ann O'Brien, Judy Perius and Helen Wagner and brothers, Stan, Steve and John Puklich.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 12, 2013 at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, Steele, ND.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 13, 2013 at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church, Steele, ND.
Interment: Holy Cross Cemetery, Steele with military honors from North Dakota National Guard and Bismarck VFW #1326
Visitation: Thursday, September 12, 2013 at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church from 4:00 p.m. until the start of the evening prayer service.