Jay Darrell Puestohl

Jay D. Puestohl, 67, died suddenly on Sunday, February 2, 2020. Jay was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on May 6, 1952 to Rod and Shirley (Kempinger) Puestohl. For high school he attended Lourdes Academy and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he graduated with a Bachelors degree in political science and a Masters in public administration.

Jay served for 32 years in the Oshkosh Police Department. He earned the rank of Captain and led the Investigative Services Bureau for many years. He also taught classes in criminal justice and political science at UW-O.

Jay had many talents and hobbies. He was an adept carpenter and mechanic. He had broad knowledge of how the things we use day-to-day work, how they are made, and how to fix them. Outside of his career he was always busy working on something, whether it be a car, a house, a vintage snowmobile, or helping with one of his kids’ school projects. After retirement from the police in 2008, he worked part-time as a handyman. He taught his kids how to be resourceful and work with their hands.

Jay loved things that go. His parents bought him his first Harley Davidson at age 15, and he was a life-long motorcyclist. He loved cars and trucks, boating on Lake Winnebago, and bicycling. Jay also had a passion for aviation. For decades he piloted single engine aircraft and in 2015 finished building his own airplane according to a 1938 design, which he flew with great joy.

Jay also enjoyed music, other forms of art, and spending time in the natural world. He was intellectually curious, and loved learning about history and the world around him.
Those who knew Jay will remember him for his generosity. His efforts to help those near and far were tireless. One could not ask for a more loving and dedicated father.
Jay loved children and animals. He was a faithful Catholic. He was exceptionally humble, and lived with integrity and intense moral conviction.

Jay will be deeply missed by his two children, Mark (partner Sara) and Nick Puestohl; sister, Cherie Forster and nieces, Carly and Caitlin Forster; aunt, Judy (Jerry) Bauer; uncle, Richard LeBeck; many cousins; Godchildren; former wife, Deirdre; and so many friends, especially Stan Kotschi, Monty Montgomery, and Debbie Sorenson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Rod; grandparents, Cecelia and George Kempinger, and Eleanor and Gilbert Puestohl; his aunt and uncle, Susie and Jay Pistohl; and his aunt, Mary LeBeck.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in honor of Jay at noon on Saturday, February 8th, at St. Jude Parish-St. Vincent site (1225 Oregon St., Oshkosh). Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7th, from 4 to 8 p.m. (with a 7:45 prayer service) at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes-Westside, and on Saturday at St. Vincent’s from 11 a.m. to noon. Burial will be at Riverside Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. The family also thanks the Oshkosh Police and Fire Departments for their service.