John Martin Puder

John Martin Puder, 85, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Clelle and Marie Puder in Reedley, California in 1939. John was raised on a small farm in Reedley, California with his parents and four sisters. After graduating from Reedley High School in 1956, John joined the US Navy. He was on active duty for two years and served another two years in the Navy Reserves. John met the love of his life, Marjorie Puder, while "cruising" in Dinuba and were married six weeks after their first date. They raised their two sons and daughter in Tulare, California. John worked various jobs before he found his true calling as a law enforcement officer. He devoted 29 years, starting with the Lindsay Police Department, then the Tulare Police Department and the last 27 years with the California Highway Patrol. John was a avid sports fan. He especially had a love for baseball and the San Francisco Giants. He spent many years of his adult life playing and coaching baseball. He also loved horses and was able to raise and train two cutting horses after he retired. John was a devoted family man through and through. He was kindhearted, selfless and never knew a stranger. He was the kind of man that made others feel better just being around him. He was always cheerful, always had a smile on his face, and truly cared for others. He was known amongst his family and friends as having the best stories and giving the best hugs. Although we will miss him dearly, we look forward to reuniting with him in Heaven. John is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marjorie, his son Doug and his wife Doreen, his son Steve and his wife Denise, his daughter Karen; his sister Joy and her husband Dale, his sister Clella and her husband Joe, his sister Connie, his sister Kathy and her husband John. John also had six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, California. Following the Memorial Service, there will be a graveside service at Smith Mountain Cemetery, 42088 Road 100, Dinuba. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

John Martin Puder

January 3, 1939 - October 23, 2024