James Elmer Puehler

James Elmer Puehler ,93, of rural Millbury passed away on October 5, 2026, at home as he wished under the care of his grandson Larry Cluckey and son-in-law Ed Cluckey. He was born on March 31, 1933 to Elmer E. and Loretta M. (Fleitz) Puehler in Swanton, Ohio. He would eventually meet Carolyn Wetzel and they would marry on January 23, 1954. James would go on to proudly serve his country as a member of the United States Army. James and Caroyln would celebrate 61 years of marriage and raise three children together before Caroyln’s passing on July 15, 2021.

Jim was a brick mason by trade, owning his home building company Puehler Construction for 65 years. Northwest Ohio and Southwest Florida are graced by multiple residential homes and commercial masonry projects completed by his skilled hands.

Jim is survived by his grandson, Larry ( Kelley) Cluckey; son-in-law, Edward Cluckey; daughter Patricia (Robert) Lagger; sister, Mary (Dan) McClure; sister-in-law, Margie Jackson; brother-in-law, Carl McDowell; grandchildren Samanthia (Sam) Strange, Deanna (Michael) Cramer, Kayla (Justin Warmen) Cluckey, Robert Lagger Jr, and Rebecca (Nicholas) Matras; great-grandchildren, Finneghan, Fitzgerald, Qorbin, Fehnrick, Carter, Carson, Ellie, Jacoby, Anakin, Braylen, Faevian and Oakley. Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Elmer and Loretta; wife, Carolyn; daughter, Bev; son, Jim; sisters, Grace, Alice, Wilma and Hazel and brother, Howard.

A visitation will be held at Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S Wynn Rd in Oregon, Ohio, on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m. Private burial will take place at a later date at Clay Township Cemetery.