Neil Levear Punches' Obituary
Neil Levear Punches was born in Muskegon on February 16, 1927 to Lloyd Punches and Dorthea (Nielsen) Punches. In his early years, he and his mother moved around Michigan following his father to various CC Camps. They eventually settled in Muskegon where he attended Muskegon Heights schools. Shortly after graduating, he joined the Air Force with dreams of becoming a pilot. In the middle of his training the war ended and he was sent home. He eventually achieved his dream and obtained a pilot’s license and flew for pleasure.
After several years, he joined the Army and was sent to Berlin, Germany. This is where he met Rita Gerstner, a farmer’s daughter from Kansas. She was working as a civilian secretary for one of the Generals. They were married on July 30, 1949, and a year later they welcomed their daughter, Linda.
In 1953, he returned to Muskegon with his family to help Neil’s parents run Punches General Store, working seventy hours a week. Neil and Rita’s sons, Brian and Greg, completed their family and helped continue the legacy of Punches, which went on to become Punches Thrifty and then Orchard Market.
Neil and Rita were blessed to have many wonderful adventures together. They enjoyed hunting, camping, boating, snowmobiling, and visited over 25 different countries.
Neil’s survivors include his wife of 73 years, Rita; children, Linda (Bob) Mills, Brian (Marla) Punches and Greg (Lynn Brown) Punches; grandchildren: Tim (Lauren) Mills, Maren (Mike) Pearson, Heidi (Travis) Bolles, Heather (Craig) Claussen, Holly (Dan) Hazekamp, Rachel Punches and Josh Punches; and 14 great-grandchildren. Neil was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Taya Marie Mills, in 1977.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his caregivers Julia, Pam H., Denise, Pam C., and Penny. They would help Neil maintain his “independent” spirit, while at the same time keeping him safe, which wasn’t always easy. They also want to thank the Fruitport Fire Department, Trinity Health, and Harbor Hospice.
Neil would be pleased to share his trophy room with family and friends, as they share their special memories with one another. Please join us Sunday, June 11 from 2-4 PM at their home. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Harbor Hospice Foundation would be appreciated. Arrangements by, The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave., 231-726-5210. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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