Arthur Pundt

Stoughton - Arthur B. Pundt, age 85, passed away peacefully on Saturday February 9, 2013 at UW Hospital. He was born August 6, 1927 in Belvidere, IL to Arthur and Elsie (Ettner) Pundt. Art graduated from Belvidere High School in May 1945. He entered the US Army on his 18th birthday, August 6, 1945. He served his country as an instructor in the Transportation Corps until his honorable discharge in July of 1947.
Art married Ruth E. Bucklin, of Belvidere, IL on October 9, 1948. Art graduated from the University of Illinois in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He began his career in education as a High School Industrial Arts teacher in Loves Park, IL. In 1957 Art became an instructor at the General Motors Training Center in Brookfield, WI. In 1963 Art moved his family from suburban Milwaukee to Stoughton, WI, assuming a position as the Area Service and Parts Manager for The Pontiac Motor Division. In 1978, Art was transferred to New Orleans, LA, and finished his career with General Motors in 1982. After retiring from General Motors, he returned to teaching auto mechanics at the Orleans Parish Community Technical School. Art and Ruth returned to Stoughton in 1988 after he accepted a position with the Kraft Corporation.
Art enjoyed collecting antiques, woodworking and family camping trips throughout the United States and Canada. He loved the West, the Rocky Mountains and especially enjoyed hunting with family and close friends in Wyoming. His love of automobiles and the auto industry transcended not only his professional life but was Art's favorite hobby as well. Dad was devoted to family and raising his eight children with his wife of 64 years. Holidays, birthdays and time with family brought him great joy. Dad often said that the best gift he could receive was to have all eight of his children together at one time. He passed from this life surrounded by his wife, loving children and immediate family.
He is survived by his wife Ruth and children Wenda (Jim) Skoien, Stoughton, WI, Arthur J. (Sue) Pundt, Metarie, LA, Claudia Pundt, Stoughton, WI, Lori (Craig) Helf, Greendale, WI, John (Deb) Pundt, Stoughton,WI, Jason (Ann) Pundt, Clayton, CA, Christine (Barry) Leichtman, Wilmington, DE and Lisa (Chris) Vike, St Michael, MN. Grandchildren include Debbie (Brad) Beckett, Diane (Michael) Ritchie, Erin (Dan) Swenson, J. Kyle (Angie) Skoien, Wade (Aricia) Pundt, Megan Helf (Brian Memmel), Kathryn Helf (Chris Kelly), Lorin Helf, Rhenna (Alec) Widerski, Ryan Pundt, Brett Leichtman, Owen and Emma, the Princess, Vike. Great Grandchildren include; Kelsa, Elise, Maddie, Catie, Morgan, Elizabeth, Noah, Aricia Susan, Clayton, Julian, Cayden, Jace, Reid, his sister, Bea Wenzel, niece Nancy, and nephews Brian and Keith. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Roundy Wenzel.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 15, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, 310 E. Washington Street, Stoughton with Reverend Jerry Pribbenow officiating. A visitation will be held Thursday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. and on Friday at church one hour prior to service. Burial with Military Honors will be in Riverside Cemetery, Stoughton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Lutheran Church or Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd., Madison, WI 53718.
A special thank you to the Cardiac Care Unit and the Interventional Radiology Department at UW Hospital in Madison.
Cress Funeral Service
206 W. Prospect Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608) 873-9244