Thomas R. Pufall

Thomas R. Pufall, “Bomber” age 62 of Ashland, WI passed away Saturday, Nov 28, 2020 at Essentia Health-Saint Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN after a short but feisty battle with Gallbladder Cancer. Tom was born in Ashland the son of Richard and Gigi Pufall. Richard would hold the baby above his head and make him fly around the room calling him the “Bay City Bomber”. Later shortened to just “Bomber”. Tom remained close to his parents and helped them with whatever and whenever they needed him. Tom was a Wannabe, and was united in marriage to the love of his life Gail T. Maday. Together they celebrated 37 year together. The Gems of their life are their Family, Daughters Melanie (Chaz) Connors and Theresa (Scot) Pufall. Grandchildren Patrick, Kelsey and Charles Jr. Being a Family man, Tom supported them in every way possible. Often you could see him taking batting practice or trying to return a mean serve in the tennis court. Sometimes taking a tennis ball to the chest. He enjoyed the great outdoors, and in the spring and fall he could be found with his buddy John, in the stream trying to catch the elusive “King Salmon” Keyword being try. Tom also kept his bird feeders full. Proud of his beautiful big blue jay and cardinals. Squirrels and Chipmunks also joined the feast. Please be careful when riding in the East end of Fat Squirrels trying to cross 6th street. They may be someone's entertainment. Being a big Union man, Tom was Vice President of the Local #1104 at the Paper Mill. When it closed, he took the job at Northwest CEP to implement a grant to assist displaced workers to gain training and employment. He was so good at this line of work that after the grant ran out CEP continued his employment there. He was dedicated and respectful of those he served there. Other survivors include brothers, Tim (Tammy), Terry (Bev), Donald (Roberta) and Scott (Caroline); sisters, Shari (Tom) Nutt and Susan (Bob) Gerenz; brother-in-law, Melvin Maday (Sharon); sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Salawater, Rae Ann Maday and Doreen Maday; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends, John Hennell and Tom Kovach as well as his canine companion, Coco. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gigi, father-in-law, Ray Maday and mother-in-law, Patricia Maday and brother-in-law John “Spud” Maday. Because of the Pandemic a private funeral was held at St. Mary’s Church and Burial had followed at the Bad River Cemetery per Tom’s wishes. On Thursday August 12th a Celebration of Life will be held at Hodgkins Park at 4:30 till 7:30. Please join us to share memories, stories, and love for a wonderful guy who left us too soon. The family would like to thank the MMC Cancer Center and the ICU Nurses at St. Mary’s for excellent care and compassion. Go Badgers, Packers and Brewers!! Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, WI.