Obituary

LaRae (Hughes) Ponkow, 95, passed away on February 11, 2024. She was born an only child on April 1, 1928, in Bismarck, ND to Raymond and Amber (Thomas) Hughes. Later, as a child she moved to Wibeaux, MT. When she was 7 years old, she came to WI with her mother for a visit and never returned. She often commented how in Wisconsin, she saw her first indoor toilet.

LaRae went to business college and was a stenographer at Oshkosh County Courthouse in the Health and Human Services Department until she started a family.

She met Joseph Ponkow and was married on May 21, 1949. They were married for 52 years before Joseph passed away in 2001.

LaRae was a wonderful mother who devoted her life to her family. She was a devout Catholic and a very generous woman donating to many charities. She often said, "they need the help more than I." She was also known for her sense of humor that could sometimes turn a little "salty." She enjoyed watching politics, jeopardy, murder stories and having a couple of cans of beer a day.

Surviving are her three children, Brent (Mary) Ponkow, Blaine Ponkow (Patti Herrera), Allyson (Tom) Ponkow-Perron; three grandchildren, Amanda (Steve) Ponkow-Jeantet, Vanessa (Derek) Ponkow-Griner, Aron Ponkow; four great-grandchildren, Colin Jeantet, John, Jacob, and Lily Griner.

Preceding her in death are husband, Joseph Ponkow; and her mother, Amber Hughes.

Visitation will be held on Saturday February 17, 2024, at Seefeld Funeral Home, 1025 Oregon Street, Oshkosh, WI from 1pm to 2pm and services to follow. She will be buried next to her husband at Lakeview Memorial Park.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Waupaca County Department of ADRC, Veterans Services, Community Care and the caring staff of Monarch Meadows and Heartland Hospice.

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