Chester Thomas "Punky" Punkiewicz, 91, formally of Rock Island, passed away March 16, 2015 in San Diego, Calif., with daughters, Janet and Judy at his side. He was born August 1, 1923. A celebration of life and inurnment will be held at a later date in Crane Lake, Minn.

"Punky" graduated from Moline High School and attended St. Ambrose University following service to his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. He was employed by Deere and Company, where after the war he began working in the mail room and upon retirement was the Manager of Order Control. He was respected company-wide as an expert in the complex field of export requirements. He retired in 1981 with 33 years of company service.

He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Following retirement Punky and his wife Jean moved to their retirement home they built on Bear Island in Crane Lake, Minn. He enjoyed traveling and visiting with family and friends.

Left to cherish Punky's memories are his daughters and sons-in-law, Janet Dove, Judy and Mike Hoagland, all of Crest, Calif., Jill and Jerry Crain, Crane Lake, Minn.; sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jeanne Punkiewicz, James and Holly Punkiewicz, all of Rock Island, Jared and Tammy Punkiewicz, Everett, Wash., Carol Punkiewicz, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; 20 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister; brother; wife, Jean Grace Allen Punkiewicz; and son, Jeffrey Allen Punkiewicz.

Online condolences may be left at wheelanpressly.com.