MADISON - Donald J. Pustz, age 84, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on May 21, 1938, in Blue Island, Ill., the son of Joseph and Victoria (Lisiecki) Pustz.

Don graduated from Fenger High School, Chicago, in 1955, and he attended Illinois Institute of Technology. He married Linda (Beckman) Pustz on July 15, 1967, at the First Reformed Church of Roseland, Chicago.

He worked as an industrial engineer and manager for a variety of manufacturing companies in Illinois, Georgia, Ohio and Michigan. Don and his wife Linda moved to Madison when they retired in 2003.

As a young man, Don enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing and playing softball. He gleefully relished the opportunity to trounce his opponents when he played cards like Pinochle with his siblings, Bridge with his friends, and 31 with his kids and grandkids. No matter what game he was playing, luck was always on his side. He enjoyed his cup of coffee with a Sudoku puzzle and solving crosswords with Linda. An avid life-long learner, he took advantage of opportunities to take college courses whenever he could and to sit in on classes through PLATO (Participatory Learning and Teaching Organization) in Madison. In particular, a jazz appreciation class helped him rediscover his love of jazz. He always instilled the importance of education in his children and grandchildren by reminding them to study hard and learn a lot. Perhaps most importantly, Don was a long-suffering Chicago White Sox fan, traveling across the country to catch a game whenever he could.

Don is survived by wife, Linda; son, Matthew Pustz and wife, Jennifer; daughter, Jennifer Kulikowski and husband, Michael; daughter, Amanda Pustz; granddaughters, Margaret Kulikowski and Allison Kulikowski; brother, Gerald Putts; and sister, Beverly Gasper. He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings, Bernard, Evelyn, Josephine, and Audrey.

Don’s family is planning to host a virtual gathering for family and friends to share stories and memories in January.

Memorials may be gifted in Don’s name to the Lupus Foundation of America, <https://support.lupus.org/site/TR/Tributes/General?px=2849114&pg=personal&fr_id=1791>. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Donald John. Pustz

May 21, 1938 - December 11, 2022

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