Troy L. Puetz

Troy “Tireman” Puetz was always the “car guy” or “tireman” to most who knew him. As we sat with him that last evening, we were amazed at the lengths he had gone through to still be with us. It defied the odds and numerous staff at the Center for Hospice Care were also surprised that he was still lingering. Troy’s oldest son, Taj, equated it to an engine that was on the verge of running vs. not running, a perfect analogy for the guy who was always working on something in the garage. Troy’s idle was reaching its lowest point without enough fuel or spark to keep it running. We all know the tires were just fine, however.

We talked a lot as a family throughout the time he was at hospice, and we truly believe that even though he couldn’t talk to us any longer, he was settled in on his favorite spot on the couch, watching the movie reel of his life playing while he enjoyed a beer or a glass of wine and popcorn made from the air popper he refused to part ways with, that is probably considered a relic now. The movie was likely a marathon considering the life Troy lived. There were no doubt countless memories of growing up in small-town North Dakota… Demolition derbies with his dad, Gerald, and his brother, Terry… His “dirty bird” that he did some Gamblers with along with a good friend and his oldest son, Taj… Go-Kart racing with his youngest, Tobi… Watching Raehs graduate from basic training in San Antonio, Texas… Holding his precious son, Kaed… His epic Prince Charming proposal to his wife Cheri at school… Enjoying his mom’s monster cookies.

(Pat Melkert’s monster cookies were always his favorite and were the last thing he had requested to eat before going into hospice!)

Troy lived with his cancer diagnosis with the belief that “these are the best of days.” Despite the unfair diagnosis and prognosis and the side effects and symptoms he powered through, Troy really did live as if it was the best of days. He continued to be the guy we all knew and loved—lending a helping hand to friends, family and strangers that would quickly become friends. He was still adamant that the leaves be blown off the driveway so they wouldn’t stain the concrete just a couple of weeks before he passed, and was still insisting he was going to go help a stranger-turned-friend finish a few last things on an old truck he had helped him with. He was a man that truly walked the walk of being an exceptional human being that always put others before himself. His impact reaches far and wide with many sharing stories of how he mentored them, encouraged them, helped them. We know that he would want each of us to pay it forward to continue his legacy of being an unselfish caregiver and helper.

Troy was not one to want the traditional send off or obituary. He would want you to laugh and smile at the memories you have of him. He would be sharing a beer with you right now if he were here and would tell you to live your life with integrity. He will be watching over us - we believe that with every ounce of our being. He even promised to come back and “haunt” me by grabbing my butt. I had to include that to hold him accountable and because he knew it would make us all laugh.

“These are the best of days.” Troy Puetz

Celebration of life plans will be shared soon!

Cremation will take place. Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with his care.

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