John Pugaczewski

JOHN B. PUGACZEWSKI Age 80 of White Bear Township Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Hero John was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 18, 1935 to Bernice (nee Szuminski) and Joseph Pugaczewski, who immigrated from Poland. He attended St. Paul Johnson and met Marlene Barry while she attended St. Joseph Academy. They were married on April 11, 1959 at Sacred Heart Parish in St. Paul. John began attending the University of Minnesota for his degree. After 12 years of dedication to school and work, he graduated on June 10, 1967. He was very proud of his graduation and celebrated it yearly. He was honored to be a Minnesota Gopher and his children and grandchildren followed in his steps to the University of Minnesota. John worked as an engineer at Northwestern Bell (now CenturyLink) for over 38 years. When he was not working, he could be found on the water. His favorite places were on the boat on Bald Eagle Lake or waterskiing on St. Croix River. He and his brother, Joe, were very handy and could be found working on cars and fixing things around the house. Although not frequent travelers, he and Marlene enjoyed taking trips to Phoenix, Arizona and Las Vegas, Nevada. His sister, Theresa, got him into watching high school hockey games. He especially loved to watch the St. Paul High School Hockey Tournament each year. John and Marlene do not have any dogs, but he absolutely adores all the dogs that his children and grandchildren have. His family was the center of his life and his passion. His extra time was spent with all his family whether they were playing cards or watching hockey. More than anything, John will be remembered for his integrity, honesty, ethics, and his sense of humor. He always said, “There is no grey, only right and wrong.” John passed away, with his family by his side, on April 28, 2016 at Regions Hospital. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Joseph Pugaczewski; and his brother, Joe Pugaczewski. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 57 years, Marlene Barry Pugaczewski; his children, John “Jack” (Tina) Pugaczewski of Hugo, Laura (Rick) Dominik of White Bear Lake, and Kathie Pugaczewski of Roseville; his grandchildren, Mark Dominik, Jenna Dominik, and Emily Pugaczewski; his sister, Theresa Pugaczewski; sister-in-law, Cathy Pugaczewski; niece, Julie Bailey; grand-dogs, Molly, Lily, Chloe, and Grace. Gathering of friends and family on Tuesday, May 3, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 PM at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake. Mass of Christian Burial 2:00PM on Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 4741 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake with second visitation from 1:00-2:00PM. Interment to immediately follow at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery, White Bear Lake. There will be a luncheon after the burial in the St. Joseph Room at church.