Delores Avis (Schmit) Puhalla

Delores Avis Bernadette (Schmit) Puhalla, of Steinauer, Nebraska, second child of four, was born to John and Alice (Halsey) Schmit on Wednesday February 18, 1948, at Pawnee City Annex Hospital in Pawnee City, Nebraska. 

Delores passed away peacefully in her home, Monday, January 2, 2017 surrounded by her family following a short battle with a very, very rare gallbladder cancer. 

Delores lived in rural Pawnee County in Cold Point School District at the time. Delores attended Kindergarten at Steinauer Public High School, then attended 1st through 8th  grade at St. Anthony's Parochial School and 9th through 12th at Steinauer High School graduating in 1966, as Salutatorian of the last graduating Class.  

Delores married Michael Paul Puhalla on Saturday July 30, 1966 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska by Father Irvin J. Weber.

Delores and Mike moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he was stationed in the U.S. Air Force for 2 years. Then Delores moved back to Steinauer while Mike was stationed over seas.  To this union, four children were born: Deborah Sue, Timothy Michael, Laura Jean, and Thomas John.

Delores learned the love of music from the Benedictine Sisters in Catholic Grade School.  She directed St. Anthony's Church Choir for many years and also played the organ at church. Delores was a very devout Catholic member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church.  She was also a member of St. Ann's Altar Society, Table Rock American Legion Auxiliary, and the Ooga Booga Club.  She and Rosie Jasa were also in charge of funeral dinners for many years.

 Delores and Mike enjoyed many trips to Vegas with various friends in 1979 and annually since 1990.  Mike made several trips to Colorado to bring back peaches that Delores enjoyed taking many phone calls and orders for also canning and eating them for themselves.  

Delores’ hobbies included watching Husker Volleyball and Royals Baseball.  She raised and butchered chickens and sold eggs for many years. She and Mike would make a big garden full of vegetables for their whole family in which they canned for later use.  She was also a Big fan of Elvis Presley, even getting to go to Graceland and touch his grave.  She enjoyed music and played the organ for many weddings.  You could also find her and Mike mixing up a pitcher of “Puhalla Punch”.  She loved watching and attending kids and grandkids events.  She and Mike loved to take trips “to eat” down South at the casino.  Delores was able to, at one time or another, babysit and spoil All her grandchildren and even her great-granddaughter.  The highlight of the summer was the celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary which was attended by many friends and family.    

Delores is survived by husband of 50 years, Mike Puhalla of Steinauer, NE, daughter Deb and husband Lloyd Pfister of Elk Creek, NE, son Tim Puhalla and fiance Andrea of Pawnee City, NE, daughter Laura and husband Brett Wenzl of Elk Creek, NE, son Tom and wife Carrie Puhalla of Steinauer, NE, grandchildren: Whitney and husband Justin Caspers, Danielle Pfister and significant other Danny Antholz, Megan, Michelle and Zachary Wenzl, April Puhalla, Shayla and Ashlyn Puhalla, great granddaughters Kinsley Caspers & baby Antholz on the way, step-grandson Calvin Antholz, brothers Byford and wife Gloria Schmit of Steinauer, NE, Don and wife Kathy Schmit of Burr, NE, & Gail and wife Tammy Schmit of Beatrice, NE, sister-in-law Mary and husband Ric Batchelor of Florence, SC and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Delores is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Norbert & Marguerite Puhalla, granddaughter Ashley Sue Pfister, brother-in-law Eugene Puhalla & wife Marda, and brother-in-law Leon Puhalla, aunts, uncles, cousins and special Aunt Ruth Zoller of Harrisburg, OR.  

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 7, 2017, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska.  Officiating Father Michael Christensen. Rosary 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2017, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.  Visitation on Friday, January 6, 2017 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 3-5 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Steinauer, Nebraska. Memorials in Lieu of flowers. Online condolences can be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

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