August (Augie) Puhr
August (Augie) Paul Puhr was born on July 19, 1949, in Valley City, North Dakota, to Frank and Esther (Webber) Puhr. Augie was raised in Fargo, North Dakota at Saint John’s Orphanage ran by the Presentation Sisters.
Augie’s love of the sisters never waned throughout his life, and he would visit them often. Augie held a special place in his heart for Sister Olivia and would visit her around his birthday every year. Even though he always said it rained on his birthday. Rickets affected Augie as a child, but he did not let it hinder him. Augie graduated high school from Fargo South High. After a few jobs Augie settled in to work at Cummins for over twenty years. He was given an award of excellence for his work and loyalty before retiring. He often told the story about how he never missed work, even going in on storm days to find the business closed.
Augie’s other great love was his wife, Diana (McArthur) Puhr. They married in Fargo in June of 1973. He supported her love of Elvis and the Baha’i faith as he liked 50s and 60s tunes and was Catholic. Sadly, Diana passed in 2009. He continued to turn in cans for recycling and give the proceeds to Cerebral Palsy Foundation, in support of Diana.
Augie received services from Community Living Services in Fargo, North Dakota until his passing. He enjoyed collecting cans, stripping copper wiring, coloring, music, meditation, John F. Kennedy, silly movies, making a little strawberry rhubarb moonshine, and his kitten, Cat. Augie especially enjoyed hugs and back rubs from his favorite people. He would often enjoy his trips with friends to gravesites of his loved ones and would recall some of his favorite memories. Augie spent the holidays with his friends and was spoiled when he did so. He enjoyed it when his Case Manager would go on vacation and give him souvenirs. Over time Augie had established a collection of trinkets that he was proud to show everyone who came to visit. Everyone that he met was bestowed the greatest joke of all time to Augie: that of the three little ants.
Augie often said, above all else, he respected people who were “reasonable”. Augie cared greatly for those close to him. He will be remembered for his creativity and love that he gave to others. August passed away on March 23, 2023 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota.
August was preceded in death by his love, Diana (McArthur) Puhr; mother; father; and family members Leonard Puhr, Leona Umphry, and Lorraine Tjon.
He is survived by his brother, Francis (Janet) Gerszewski. As well as many friends who he cared for deeply.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo, with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery North. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.boulgerfuneralhome.com.
