"Dad always had this funny saying, especially when meeting someone new. "How do you do?, I'm the blue kangaroo". And he would sing a song called the 'Frog and the log". I shared that song with my own daughter and also my grandchildren. It's a very fun song. Will miss hearing dad play his harmonica. He also had a voice that would have taken him far in the country music business if he would have pursued that. He had a golden voice. That I will remember most, his singing voice."
In loving memory of
Floyd Ponshock
September 16, 1931 - April 6, 2011
Floyd Ponshock, of Birnamwood, died Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at his home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 79 years old. He was born on September 16, 1931 in Park Falls a son of Andrew and Clara (Bendickson). He married Marion Langner on December 17, 1955 in Park Falls. She survives.
He attended Park Falls Grade School and High School.
Mr. Ponshock served in the United States Army from 1952 -1954 and was transferred to the Army Reserves for eight years.
He was a truck driver for various companies. For 20 years he was employed at Ladish in Cudahy retiring in 1983.
He enjoyed fishing, reading westerns, traditional country music and playing the harmonica.
In addition to his wife survivors include four daughters, Joanne (Walter) Sczygelski of Merrill, Darlene (Dennis Jr.) Sutte of Antigo, Arlene (William) Vertz of Merrill and Debra (Jay) Darling of Antigo; five sons, David (Mary) Ponshock of Mosinee, Raymond (Kay) Ponshock of White Lake, Daniel Ponshock of Wausau, Michael Ponshock of Jacksonville, FL and Brian (Ron) Ponshock of Antigo; grandchildren, Timothy and Stacey Ponshock, Joseph Sczygelski, Amanda, Andrew and Elaine (fiance John) Ponshock, Robert Ponshock, Linda (Bryan) Yingling, Jennifer (fiance Kevin) and Dennis III Sutte, Brittany and Nicholas Darling; four great-grandchild; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert, Raymond, Merlin and Marvin Ponshock; two sisters, June Rienow and Betty Ryan.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home with Rev. Donald Engebretson officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Veterans will conduct military rites at the funeral home following the service.
Tributes
"I served in the Army with Floyd, we got to be very close friends. He was always smiling, nothing ever seemed to bother him, very happy go lucky.We enjoyed an occasional beer together on free time.He always had a story or a joke to tell. As I recall he enjoyed country music. I never seemed to have the time to travel to see him and family, now I am sorry I didn't I am sure he will be sadley missed by all who knew him."
"When we were little I remember Dad playing "The Little Drummer Boy" on the harmonica. It's one of the special things in life I won't forget."