Obituaries
Obituary: Wesley Edward Puhl
Navy veteran and devoted ironworker remembered for a lifetime of service, strength, and love for his family.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Wesley Edward Puhl
Wesley Edward Puhl, age 77, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Wesley was born on December 29, 1947, in Joliet, to George and Thelma (Larson) Puhl. He was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Wesley was a respected and hardworking ironworker for Local 444 and dedicated over 40 years of service. He also dedicated over 40 years of service to the International Association of Bridge, Structural, and Ornamental Ironworkers.
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Wesley is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Diana (Diefenbach) Puhl; his daughters, Tracy Gutierrez, Lisa Hodge, and Lesley (Jr) Flores; 11 grandchildren, Brandon, Ryan, Alyssa, Brianna (Austin), Brent, Clarissa (Peter), Christina, Jessica, Jesse, Julianna, and Weston; eight great-grandchildren, Rylan, Austin, Ariana, Lilah, Alaia, Jadelio, Ira, and Ivy; his sister, Enola Jo (Roger) Cirrencione; his sisters-in-law, Starla Puhl, Patricia Diefenbach; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Sherri Lynn Puhl; his brother, Leslie Lavern Puhl; his sister and brother-in-law, Carol (Lester) Nelson; his sister, Lavern Clarice Puhl; and his brother-in-law, Rick Diefenbach.
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Wesley gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
As it was Wesley’s request, cremation rites have been accorded and private family services will be held at a later date.
For more information, please call the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500, or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
