Dr. John Puk

DR. JOHN A. PUK

Cedar Rapids

Dr. John A. Puk, 83, of Cedar Rapids, died Monday Nov. 7, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center. Funeral Mass: 1 p.m. Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The Rev. Steve Garner will officiate. Inurnment in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the State Room at the Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories from 4 to 7 p.m.

on Thursday.

Survivors include his children, Cindy, Mike (Donna), Jenny (Troy), Steve (Carla), Dave (Chris), J.J. (Cari) and Kevin (Jill); 16 grandchildren, Erica, John, Hailey, Daniel, Erin, Joey, Sami, A.J., Jessi, Owen, Kassie, Izzi, Gabbi, Abby, Ty and J.T; and a niece, Tiffany. He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; and a brother, Ed.

John was born on Sept. 18, 1933, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the son of Jon and Mary Opalinski Puk. He married the love of his life, Joyce A. Ernst, on April 12, 1958, in LaCrosse, Wis. Joyce passed away in 2014.

John graduated from St. Bonaventure High School and later from Marquette University, where he received his undergraduate and doctorate degree in ophthalmology. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a lieutenant commander during the Korean War.

John practiced ophthalmology in Cedar Rapids and retired from his practice after more than 35 years of service. He was a very giving and generous man who shared his success with both his family and friends. John had a real zest for life with a strong sense of family and a real passion for golf, cars, electronics, shopping and travel. John was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather whose memory will be cherished by all who knew and loved him, including his many patients.

Memorial donations may be given to www.donate.givetoiowa.org for ophthalmology research or to the Medical College of Wisconsin (Marquette University), 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226 in John's name.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Puk family on our web page, www.cedarmemorial.com, under obituaries.