Jon Allen Pudas

HURLEY, Wis. - On March 26, 2023, Jon Allen Pudas of Hurley, Wisconsin - beloved husband, father, and friend - passed away at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Jon was born on Feb. 22, 1953, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Arnold and Dagmar (Anderson) Pudas. From an early age, Jon developed an affinity for working outdoors. He worked on a farm during his middle and high school years, which instilled a firm work ethic he would possess his entire life. From adolescence to retirement, Jon was always happily tinkering with vehicles, engines, and various things around the house.

In 1968, Jon received a phone call that would change and shape his life: Frances Morzenti, a shy young classmate of his, called him out of the blue to ask him out to a school dance. But he said no! He had to work. However, he didn't work the following day, and there just so happened to be another dance scheduled at the Hamilton Club in Montreal. Jon and Frances danced the night away. For the next 55 years, she never left his side. They married in 1973 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary earlier in March.

Jon graduated in 1971 from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley. He then went on to proudly serve for seven years in the U.S. Navy and 20 years in the Navy Reserves before being honorably discharged. Jon traversed the country with Frances, completed a tour of duty aboard the nuclear submarine U.S.S. Andrew Jackson SSBN619, and worked at many power plants from coast to coast, retiring in 2018.

Above all, Jon loved his family, and he loved traveling with them. In recent years, Jon and Frances enjoyed going on lengthy cross-country road trips in the summer with their dear friends, John and Kathy Sanchez. He loved watching crime shows with his daughter, Stacie (David Hampton) of Atascadero, California; and going to see action flicks with his son, Joseph (Amber Meyers), of Madison.

Jon will be remembered fondly by anyone who was lucky enough to get the chance to meet him. He was a thoughtful, gentle soul who treated everyone with unfailing decency and respect. Jon had a genuinely kind, generous spirit that made the world around him feel more pleasant.

Jon is further survived by his brother, Jan (Dorrene) Stahl; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Pudas; and sister, JoAnne Holmes.

No formal funeral services are taking place at this time. The family wishes that memorial contributions be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Jon's legacy of life. To make an online condolence visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.