Erma Punches, 86

Erma Marcella Punches, age 86, died Saturday, April 7, at the Kinnic Health Care Center in River Falls.

Erma was born the daughter of Jess and Flora (Perkins) Newberry on Feb. 16, 1926, in the Town of Drammen, Wis. Erma was a longtime resident of River Falls and Ellsworth, Wis. She met her husband, Ernest Punches, while working at Heubsch Laundry in Eau Claire, Wis. They were married on March 25, 1944, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. After marriage, she worked as a waitress then stayed home to raise her children. Ernest and Erma had six children together, five sons and one daughter. After she lost the love of her life, Ernest, in 1968, she raised her younger three boys with the help of her older son, Edward.

She enjoyed gardening and had many beautiful plants outside and inside her home. She loved to shop and add to her many collections of dolls and knick-knacks. She was always helping her neighbors and friends; her home was always a gathering place for the young and old. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always made a person feel welcome. Even with her declining health and memory, she still had a smile for everyone.

Erma was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Flora Newberry; husband, Ernest Punches Sr.; brothers, Dan, Murel, LeRoy, Leonard, and Jess; and sisters, Mildred, Gladys, Evelyn, and Delores.

She is survived by children, Ernest Jr. (Barbara), Edward, Jerry, Robert, Patrick, and Judy Johnson; grandchildren, Jeanette (Brian) Nelson, Matthew (Denise), Tara (Mike) Hakes, Travis (Olivia) Johnson, Tia, and Tai; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Ashley, Jesse, Cody, Laura, Quinn, Glenn, Grace, and Addison.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, April 13, at the Bakken-Young Funeral Home in River Falls. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Merrillan, Wis.

Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.

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