Kenneth J. Puchalski

Kenneth Joseph Puchalski, 83, of Onalaska, Wisconsin, passed away on October 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Known to family and friends as Kenn, he was born on June 11, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph and Emily (Polcyn) Puchalski.

Kenn was an avid runner who participated in numerous marathons, half-marathons, and 5K races. He was a much-loved member of the local running community. His love of the outdoors also included bicycle touring, swimming, camping, and hiking. He especially cherished time spent near the Great Lakes, a connection inspired by his service in the Merchant Marine.

Above all, Kenn was devoted to his family. He took particular joy in enriching his grandchildren’s lives through art, music, and a love of reading.

He is survived by his three sons, Scott (Kim) Puchalski of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Kenard (Jina) Puchalski of Rochester, Minnesota; and Troy (Rachel) Puchalski of Carthage, North Carolina; and four grandchildren, Seth, Kassondra, Arabela, and Beckett. He is also survived by his siblings, Carol Wolfe, Clarence Puchalski, Cristine (Christopher) Duszka, Catherine (Niels) Nielsen, Caryn Healy, Judith (Sean) Henaghan, and Joseph Puchalski. His brother Daniel preceded him in death.

A celebration of Kenn’s life will be held on November 11, 2026, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Kenn’s honor may be directed to the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (https://www.nplsf.org/donate) or Friends of the La Crosse River Marsh (https://www.friendsofthelacrosserivermarsh.com/donations-and-memberships)

“The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.”

— William Wordsworth