Dr. Michael Puff, D.V.M., 80, of Oelwein passed away Saturday July 27, 2024 at MercyOne Hospital in Oelwein, surrounded by his loving family, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Dr. Puff was an AASV member from 1975 through 2000.
Mike gave as generously in death, as he did in life, by donating through the Iowa Donor Network.
Mike was born on May 14, 1944 in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Alfred James and Mary Catherine (Nolan) Puff. Growing up, Mike enjoyed spending time outside on his family farm where he learned the value of hard work. He enjoyed caring for the livestock, including his 4-H projects. Upon attending high school, he was an active member of the high school wrestling team and placed 3rd at the state tournament during his senior year. In 1962, Mike graduated from Oelwein High School where he remained very close to his classmates to this day. He proceeded to attend Iowa State University where he was a member of the wrestling team under Coach Harold Nichols. While in college, he was also head resident of Friley Hall. Mike would often mention that the intentions of studying were good, but the conversations and card playing seemed to take precedence. Mike graduated and went on to attend veterinary school, also at Iowa State. Mike remained an avid Cyclone fan throughout all of his life.
In 1970, Mike earned his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and began work in Monona, Iowa. In 1972 he returned to Oelwein and purchased the Oelwein Veterinary Clinic. In 1976, Mike married Marilyn (Fox) Allen and became the step-father to Dana, Ann and Brian. Mike and Marilyn later divorced.
Mike enjoyed being a veterinarian, especially while interacting with his patients, both animal and human alike. He was sadly forced to retire after an accident in 1997, but that did not hinder him from continuing to provide veterinary advice to the many clients, family and friends. In retirement, he found a new purpose in driving family and friends around the tri-state area visiting his favorite landmarks which included, but were not limited to, Skip Breitbach Feeds in Balltown, the Bily Clocks Museum in Spillville, the Masonville Fish Fry, and Fontana Park. He enjoyed being in nature and planting trees and was passionate about access to clean water and the environment. He had a love for hogs, cattle, cats, dogs, and animals of all kinds. Within recent years, Mike acquired many horses which allowed him to create many friendships within the broader horse community. Mike was also well-known and loved by members of the Hazelton, Iowa Amish Community where he did not hesitate to lend a helping hand in any way he could. He especially found joy in bringing candy and ice cream to the Amish children.
Mike was a stranger to none and a friend to all. He never backed away from a good conversation and had his own special way of making people feel valued and respected. Mike lived by the words, “It is not how much we have, but what we give to others,” and was known for his good works and service–often anonymous–throughout Oelwein and its surrounding communities. He was involved with Meals on Wheels and Knights of Columbus. As a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish in Oelwein, Mike loved God, and his faith was very important to him. Mike always kept himself occupied, but when he was not busy running an errand or spending time with his family and friends, he could be found enjoying public television and listening to the music of Phil Coulter, Daniel O’Donnell, Tom T. Hall, and Bob Dylan. He was an avid reader and made hundreds and hundreds of copies of articles that he later sent to people all across the United States. He was a walking encyclopedia and a history buff, and he had strong political opinions that he would love to debate. Mike was very proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed a trip to Ireland on his 60th birthday. Mike was also known to call his family and friends routinely, often calling repeatedly until the phone was answered and they would then need to defend the reason for missing the previous calls. Oh, how we will miss those phone calls!
Mike’s favorite quote was “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” – Maya Angelou.
Left to celebrate Mike’s life are his brother John Puff of Oelwein, his step-children: Ann (Randy) Ross of Chandler, AZ, Dana Allen of Scottsdale, AZ and Brian Allen of Coralville; his step-grandchildren: Britton, Kendon and Alexis; his nieces and nephews: Mike (Bobbie) O’Loughlin, Margaret “Peg” O’Loughlin, Tim (Diane Atwood) O’Loughlin, Theresa (Randy) Endres, Maureen (John) Navara, Colleen O’Loughlin (God-Daughter), Amy (Ken) McDonough, Nick (Matt) Quigley, Chris (Jessica) Puff, Alyce (Josh) Carey (God-Daughter) and Johnny Puff; Step niece Kerry (Brian) Kilgore, and step-nephew Randy (Heather Flaherty) Corcoran; many great and great-great nieces and nephews; his sister-in-law Mary Jo Puff; and many wonderful friends, including Tom McMillan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings: Thomas “Tom” Puff, Donna (James) O’Loughlin, Julia (Robert) Sexton, Richard “Dick” Puff and Catherine Puff in infancy.
Memorials may be directed to The Plentiful Pantry, Trinity Helping Services, both of Oelwein and Mary’s Inn in Dubuque. www.geilenfeldfh.com
Published by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier on Aug. 3, 2024.