Veterans Way Honorees

Andy Puhl was educated at St. Mary’s School, and grew up in a large family in the years of the Great Depression. He was married in 1940. After the war he worked at the 7up Company and was a 30 year employee at John Deere. He was a guy that could do most everything. Car and small engine repair. Electrical and plumbing. Painting. He was a good Dad making sure his daughters were provided the highest level of education and opportunities for the future. He cared lovingly for his wife during her battle with ovarian cancer. He lived with dignity for 3 years after having a small stroke which stole his ability to eat and speak. God took him home in 2005

Guy served in the US Army for two years. He Born, raised and lived in Waterloo married, had children and worked at Zeidler’s Concrete Products. Sullivan Brothers, all who lived in the same neighborhood in Waterloo and attended school together. Andy and his brothers served in the Army, Navy, and Marines from 1943 to 1945. Andrew was born in Waterloo in 1920. He attended St. Mary’s School and grew up in a large family during the Great Depression. He married Marlys Igou in November of 1940 and raised two daughters. After the war, he worked at the 7up Company and was a 30-year employee at John Deere. He is known as a loving husband and father, caring lovingly for his wife during her horrible journey and death from ovarian cancer. Guy was also known for his ability to do almost everything from automobiles and small engine repairs to electrical, plumbing, and Painting projects. He ensured his daughters were provided with the highest level of education and opportunities for the future. He lived with dignity for three years after having a minor stroke that stole his ability to eat and speak until his death.

Leon served in the US Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean conflict. During that time, he was stationed in Germany. He lived and raised his family in Waterloo, was married for 59 years, and had four children. Leon worked at the Rath Packing Company for 35 years. Four of his brothers served in WWII and Korea.

John joined the US Navy and served three tours of duty in the Vietnam War until being discharged in 1969. John received a commendation for volunteering with other sailors to go ashore and help soldiers pinned down by the Viet cong. John was born in Waterloo (Eagle Center) and graduated from Don Bosco High School. He worked as a plumber and retired from Hudson Plumbing and Heating in 2011. John lived in waterloo for 50 years was married and had three children.

Kenneth graduated from East High School in 1986 and enlisted in the Navy. He worked as a Test Engineer for Fisher Controls in Marshalltown

Madison enlisted in the US Army during World War II and was wounded in action. He was awarded the Purple Heart, One Battle Star, Asiatic Pacific Metal, and Rifleman Award. Madison was Born in Lexington, Mississippi, and lived and worked in Waterloo from 1948 to his death on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 1967

Richard served in the US Army from June 1942 to December 1945 (3 1/2 years) during WWII. He reported to Camp Dodge, Des Moines, in June 1942, and after basic training, he was assigned to the Personnel Records Department and trained at IBM Key Punch School in Washington, DC. In April 1944, he was transferred to a keypunch unit at Base Air Depot #1, Warrington, England, and arrived there May 1. This unit was responsible for the morning reports from all over the European Theater of Operations. After Japan surrendered in 1945, Richard was sent to London to work on a roster of men eligible for discharge. Richard was honorably discharged and returned home in December 1945. He received the Service Stripe, Overseas Service Bars, American Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal and attained the rank of corporal. Richard was born in Waterloo in 1919 and lived most of his life there. He attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from East Waterloo High School in 1937. He was employed as an Industrial Engineer with Rath Packing Company, retiring in 1984. He served as secretary/treasurer of the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He and his wife Julia were married for 72 years and raised fourteen children, nine sons, and five daughters, all born in either Independence or Waterloo. He thoroughly enjoyed his life and his large family and always wore a smile

William served in the US Navy for two years. He was born, raised, and educated in Waterloo. William worked at Rath Packing Company, had 12 siblings, and raised seven children. He was known as hardworking and enjoyed his children and 12 grandchildren. He also enjoyed gardening.

Wayne served in the US Army from 1964 to 1970. He completed his basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, and advanced training at the Crypto Repair school in Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. Wayne then attended Infantry Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. Wayne has been very active in the community. Through his business, Magee Construction, he helped design and build a smart home for the Gary Sinise Foundation, which builds smart homes for disabled veterans. Wayne also helped build a new shelter in Veterans Park. Since he was seven years old, he has been visiting Cemeteries in the Dunkerton area on Memorial Day, placing poppies on the veterans’ gravesites. Wayne was born in Keokuk and raised in Dunkerton. He resides in Cedar Falls.