Paul “P.J.” Pruett

Paul was born July 27, 1933, in Jieseville, IL to Paul H. and Hazel (Durbin) Pruett. He moved to the Marquette area in 1959 where he met and married Rosemary (Pepin) Pruett on January 27, 1962.

Paul served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years. He enlisted June 25, 1951, and retired from the Air Force August 31, 1971. He was with the 410 Security Police Squadron. Paul was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam War where he received many decorations including the Bronze Star Medal with V device and the Air & Space Commendation Medal. He also was rewarded the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon during his service. Following his honorable discharge from K.I. Sawyer AFB, he worked there in civil service as well as a police officer for the Ishpeming Police Department, security at CCI and a corrections officer at the Marquette Branch Prison. He retired in 1995.

Paul was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming where he served as an usher. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Ishpeming American Legion, VFW, and the Ishpeming Beagle Club.

Paul enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and family activities. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting activities. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was always happy to be around others and loved to laugh, joke and sing.

Paul is survived by his wife Rosemary Pruett, three children; Paul (Tammy) Pruett, Michael (Marcia) Pruett and John Pruett, eight grandchildren; Maigen Pruett, Mallory (Daniel) Shank, Mollie (Derek Slone) Pruett, Madison Pruett, Anthony Pruett, Vanessa Pruett, Kyle Pruett and Ben Pruett, three great grandchildren; Hudson Orr, Kennedy Shank and Ava Shank, three brothers; Robert Pruett, Gene Pruett, and Richard (Sandy) Pruett, along with nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents, a brother John Pruett, three sisters: Betty Tatonis, Rosejune Pruett and Jenny Boldovich and a grandson Jacob Pruett.

Paul’s service will be private, with Military Honors provided by the Grand Forks AFB Honor Guard.

Paul’s family would like to give an extra special thank you to the Jacobetti nurses and staff for the excellent care he received. He truly loved them all.

Paul’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.