August Puhr
July 19, 1949 ~ March 23, 2023
Born in:
Valley City, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
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August (Augie) Paul Puhr was born on July 19, 1949, in Valley City, North Dakota, to Frank and Esther (Webber) Puhr. Augie was raised in Fargo, North Dakota at Saint John’s Orphanage ran by the Presentation Sisters.
Augie’s love of the sisters never waned throughout his life, and he would visit them often. Augie held a special place in his heart for Sister Olivia and would visit her around his birthday every year. Even though he always said it rained on his birthday. Rickets affected Augie as a child, but he did not let it hinder him. Augie graduated high school from Fargo South High. After a few jobs Augie settled in to work at Cummins for over twenty years. He was given an award of excellence for his work and loyalty before retiring. He often told the story about how he never missed work, even going in on storm days to find the business closed.
Augie’s other great love was his wife, Diana (McArthur) Puhr. They married in Fargo in June of 1973. He supported her love of Elvis and the Baha’i faith as he liked 50s and 60s tunes and was Catholic. Sadly, Diana passed in 2009. He continued to turn in cans for recycling and give the proceeds to Cerebral Palsy Foundation, in support of Diana.
Augie received services from Community Living Services in Fargo, North Dakota until his passing. He enjoyed collecting cans, stripping copper wiring, coloring, music, meditation, John F. Kennedy, silly movies, making a little strawberry rhubarb moonshine, and his kitten, Cat. Augie especially enjoyed hugs and back rubs from his favorite people. He would often enjoy his trips with friends to gravesites of his loved ones and would recall some of his favorite memories. Augie spent the holidays with his friends and was spoiled when he did so. He enjoyed it when his Case Manager would go on vacation and give him souvenirs. Over time Augie had established a collection of trinkets that he was proud to show everyone who came to visit. Everyone that he met was bestowed the greatest joke of all time to Augie: that of the three little ants.
Augie often said, above all else, he respected people who were “reasonable”. Augie cared greatly for those close to him. He will be remembered for his creativity and love that he gave to others. August passed away on March 23, 2023 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.
August was preceded in death by his love, Diana (McArthur) Puhr; mother; father; and family members Leonard Puhr, Leona Umphry, and Lorraine Tjon.
He is survived by his brother, Francis (Janet) Gerszewski. As well as many friends who he cared for deeply.
Services
Funeral Service - Monday: April 10, 2023 10:00 am
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
7012376441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Augie was married to my dear cousin, Diana, for many years. He worked hard at making a life for himself and I believe he loved Diana fiercely. Life was not easy for him, but he made the best of things. I remember once when I was giving him a ride somewhere, and I complained out loud that the traffic was too heavy to allow me to change lanes. He wisely and quietly offered, ‘ I find that if I turn on my signal sooner, they’ll let me in.’ Ah, that was the problem! I have had no further issues changing lanes since I adopted his good advice! 🙂 God bless Augie’s memory. ❤️
Augie’s wife Diana was my childhood friend. We spent hot summer afternoons playing board games and being good friends. Her mother was always kind and made me feel so welcome. Diana was lucky to have a husband like Augie who was so proud of her. It was a happy surprise to renew our acquaintance when Augie started visiting my neighbors several years ago. He was a reminder of happy times with his positive attitude and sweet smile.
Kind, gentle Augie will always be a dear friend of the Presentation Sisters. He was especially close to Sister Agnes Hartl who, no doubt, welcomed him home March 23, 2023. Rest in peace, Augie, in the light of eternal glory.
We went out to eat at least a 1000 times.
We spent most weekend afternoons together, and 12 years ago I had just dropped him off at his house when a couple blocks away I got hit by a drunk driver going thru a stop sign at 70mph. He often talked about how lucky he was that I had dropped him off. He heard the crash and came to see me. He was family and was at most Christmas , Easter, and Thanksgiving dinners. When he needed a new place to live, I moved him into one of my houses. He was always upbeat , and we talked almost everyday for a few minutes.
Augie had helped a couple out, and they stole his pickup, and I drove around until we found it. He had an incredible memory, and as we drove around he could remember every business that had been in many buildings in downtown Fargo. And Augie befriended almost everyone he met and everywhere we went someone would know him.
His was always ready to share one of Tonya’s
brownies and enjoyed watching movies with her.
My Dear friend you will be more than missed , until we meet again!
Augie lived with us when I was a child near Aggazzie school. He worked then at the Fargo laundry.I have fond memories of Augie as he had a wonderful sense of humor and a great disposition. Always smiling!!
I hope to see you again in heaven.
Glenn Mann