Gerald (Jerry) K. Puchta, 74 of Springfield MO passed away at 3:30 am the 22nd day of September 2010 in his home. Jerry was a devoted husband, father, brother and Guffy. He will always be remembered for his dry humor and smart wit. Jerry enjoyed a good movie or book especially a western. After a 22 year career in the insurance industry Jerry retired and enjoyed many years enjoying the development of several business ventures, his boat, taking care of his family and spoiling his two grandchildren. Jerry was proud of his appointment by Gov. Joe Teasdale to head the Human Rights commission of Missouri and served two terms. Jerry is preceded in death by his son Cortney. Jerry is survived by; his wife Carol (Slavens), his daughter and son-in-law Traci and Joe Parrish and there children Brennan and Connor of Springfield, his brother Michael and wife Candy of Glendora CA, his brother-in-law Charles Slavens and wife Lisa of Springfield, his sister-in-law Jan Whitman and husband Steven of Snohomish, WA, and his brother-in-law Dorrell Slavens of Springfield. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on the 1st of October at St Agnes Cathedral on Jefferson Av in Springfield. Father Michael McDevitt will officiate. Jerry and Carol chose cremation and there will be no burial service. In lieu of flowers, Carol wishes any memorial contributions be given to St Johns Hospice or to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.