Willard Mathew Puranen

Willard Mathew Puranen, 80, Kokomo, passed away on Saturday October 13, 2018. Willard was born August 29, 1938 in Ironwood, MI. to the late Edward and Ingrid Puranen. Will married Susan (Rytman) Puranen August 18, 1962 in Cudahy, WI. She survives him.

Will graduated from Ironwood High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation he enlisted into the Navy and was discharged in 1963, after six years of service. Will earned an AS from Purdue University and a BA in Business from Indiana University. He started with AC Delco Electronics in Milwaukee as Electronic Technician where he worked on the Apollo Moon Mission. In 1973 he transferred to Kokomo as an Engineering Manager, retiring after 37 years. Will enjoyed golfing with the Delco golf league and watching the Green Bay Packers. He was active in volunteering for the Howard County EMA and was a member and past president of the Kokomo Amateur Radio Operators Club. He was also president and volunteer for Haworth and Kokomo Band Boosters and volunteered for the American Red Cross.

Surviving Will is his wife, daughters Carrie Janes (Greg), Colleen Drake (David), son Christopher Puranen (Laura), sisters Delores Barross and Patricia Wickline (Marvin), grandchildren Alyson Carozza (Daniel), Lesley Janes, Andrew, Lucile and Olivia Puranen, Travis and Taylor Drake and several nieces and nephews.

Those who have preceded Will in death are his parents and brother Brian Puranen.

A Celebration of Will's life will take place Friday October 19, 2018 at 11a.m. at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel with Rev. Michael Bristol officiating. The family offers visiting hours Thursday evening from 4 to 8p.m. Burial will take place at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Cudahy, WI.

If you wish to leave a donation in Will's honor please do so to the American Red Cross, Howard County EMA or the Kokomo Amateur Radio Club.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Puranen family.