Florence F. Puls, age 99, of Dubuque, passed away at 2:05 p.m., on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Stonehill Health Center surrounded by her loving family. 

To honor Florence’s life, family and friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, where there will be a parish scripture service held at 3:45 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, February 12, 2024, at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 2001 Saint Joseph Street with Very Rev. Brian M. Dellaert officiating.  Burial will be in St. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Sherrill.

Florence was born on January 19, 1925, in Sherrill, Iowa, daughter of Joseph J. and Clara (Frommelt) Behr. 

Florence attended grade school in Sherrill at St. Peter and Paul School and graduated from the Immaculate Conception Academy, Class of 1941.  She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Alfred Puls, on June 16, 1945, in Dubuque.  They raised their family and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary together before Al passed away on January 30, 2016.  Florence was very devoted to her Catholic faith and was a long time member of St. Joseph the Worker Church where she helped out with whatever was needed.  She was very devoted to her family and for several years she took her father-in-law who lived at Bethany Home out to lunch regularly at Bishop’s Buffet.  After he passed away she continued to volunteer running the gift shop at Bethany Home and serving for 25 years with the service organization at Stonehill.  She was honored to received an award from the governor for her efforts. 

Al worked Bingo for the Lions Club in East Dubuque and Florence often accompanied him there playing 25 cards simultaneously.  Florence also enjoyed going to the Circle in East Dubuque where Al worked the door to listen to music and enjoy a beverage or two with friends.  Family was always her top priority.  Florence not only raised her own children, but took in extended family members.  She was a kind hearted woman and she truly loved caring for others.  This world has been blessed to have Florence for 99 years.  We will miss her greatly, but know that she is now resting peacefully.

Those left to cherish Florence’s memory include:

Her children, Roger (Cathy) Puls, Sandy, OR; Linda Sangston, Dubuque, IA; Thomas (Cathy) Puls, Dubuque, IA; Deb Puls, Dubuque, IA; Terry (Janet) Puls, Cummings, GA; John (Kathy) Puls, Davenport, IA; and Martin (Jennifer Haas) Puls, Lowell, AR;

Daughter-in-law, Pat Puls, Dubuque, IA

22 grandchildren, Jeff Puls, Amy (Morgan Viggers) Puls, Jason (Lena) Puls, Shannon (Joseph) Monroe, Thomas Sangston, Jimmy (Bernadette) Sangston, Mark (Marcie) Sangston, Debbie Sangston, Jennifer (Eric Lientz) Sangston, Christopher Sangston, Jonathan (Ludmila) Puls, Melissa (Robert) Scigliano, Nicholas Puls, Jennifer (David) Rhomberg, Sarah (Doug) Harris, Shelby (Bill) Bryce, Emma (Lucas Delort) Puls, Tyler (Lexi) Puls, Katie (Dillon Juillerat) Puls, Jared Puls, Connor (Chelsea Buechele) Puls and Lindsay (fiancé Daniel Rodriguez) Puls;

30 great-grandchildren, Amber Puls, Claire Monroe, William Monroe, Chase Puls, Kevin Sangston, Geoffrey Sangston, Amanda Sangston, Tasha (Danny) Davis, Levi Lientz, Luke Lientz, Logan Lientz, Marcus Borges, Larissa Puls, Samuel Scigliano, Liliana Scigliano, Jacob Scigliano, Clara Puls, Amelia Puls, Gabby Puls, Madeline (fiancé Daniel Shaw) Rhomberg, Rachel Rhomberg, Grace Rhomberg, Isabella Rhomberg, Carter Harris, Ava Harris, Mila Harris, Lyla Harris, Billy Bryce, Christian Bryce and Kais Juillerat;

One very treasured great-great-granddaughter, Kirra Davis

And her sister-in-law, Nancy Behr.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Alfred Puls; a son, Timothy Puls; a son-in-law, Charles Sangston; and her siblings, Irv (Lorraine) Behr, Millie (Norm) Spahn, Joseph J. Behr Jr., and Melvin Behr in infancy.

Florence’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Kim, for the outstanding care they have provided for Florence.

The family will thankfully receive your support through greeting cards and memorials in Florence’s memory, which will be distributed among her favorite charities, and may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Florence Puls Family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.behrfuneralhome.com