Gabriel A. Puchalla, age 18, of Olathe, KS, passed away suddenly of an aortic rupture on March 10, 2023, while on base in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Gabriel was born on March 19, 2004, in Overland Park, KS, to Donald Puchalla and Dana Puchalla. He grew up with his three younger siblings there and attended St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School through eighth grade.
Gabriel led a faith-filled life and was actively involved in his parish. He enjoyed singing in the youth choir and participating in track and field where he excelled in throwing the shot put. While in grade school, Gabriel became involved in the Boy Scouts of America. This is where his desire for brotherhood began and lifelong friendships were formed. It was in the Scouting program that he deepened his desire to help others, becoming an example of servitude and leadership. He embodied the Boy Scout oath through his duty to both God and country which would serve him in his future life decisions. Gabriel moved through the Scout ranks, ultimately earning the designation of Eagle Scout in May 2021.
Gabriel attended high school at St. James Academy where he was a varsity letterman in wrestling, earning a trip to State his senior year. During high school, Gabriel excelled in history, finding his passion specifically in American History and World Wars. Although a quiet student, Gabriel found his voice whenever the conversation turned to these topics. As a junior, Gabriel marched himself to the local recruiting office where he made the decision to pre-enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He became intensely focused on developing the qualities needed to attain this goal, balancing his school activities while regularly attending physical training with other Marine recruits.
After graduating high school in 2022, Gabriel attended boot camp at the MCRD in San Diego, California. During boot camp,he earned his Marine Corps Rifle Expert qualification badge. He graduated in September 2022 with the promotional rank of Private First Class. He completed his training at both Camp Pendleton and Twenty-Nine Palms in California before joining the fleet at his permanent duty station at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. While at Camp Lejeune, Gabriel worked as a Radio Field Operator and was promoted to Lance Corporal on March 2, 2023.
Gabriel had an unwavering love for God, country, and family. His fraternity through Scouts and wrestling was fully realized with his final brotherhood in the United States Marine Corps. He possessed a quiet strength and a warrior mentality, persevering through any challenge set before him.
He protected his family in ways that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, while walking down the night streets of Washington D.C., he quickly assessed a situation and fearlessly placed himself between his siblings and potential harm. His bravery was admirable. Gabriel maintained a sense of humility, making sure others received credit before himself. He had a kind and loving nature with an innate ability to sense when someone needed reassurance or one of his well-known bear hugs. He hada quirky sense of humor and an irresistible smile. He loved fiercely and will be missed deeply by those who knew him.
Gabriel’s memory lives on with his mother Dana Puchalla, father Donald Puchalla, sisters Grace and Gianna, brother Gavin, grandfather Donald Ramold, and numerous aunts, uncles,and cousins. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his many friends and fellow Marines.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Patricia Ramold and Vivian and Elmer Puchalla.
A rosary and visitation will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church located at 14251 Nall Avenue in Leawood, KS.
The funeral Mass is scheduled for noon on Saturday, March 25, 2023, also at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Leawood, KS.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gabriel Puchalla Memorial Scholarship to St. James Academy at https://gofund.me/4357a191 or the Marine Parents Travel Assistance fund at MarineParents.com.
The Marine Parents Travel Assistance is an IRS-approved public charity eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. The Travel Assistance fund provides travel expense assistance to families with financial need wanting to attend their Marine recruit’s bootcamp graduation and Family Day celebration. A link to contribute is https://marineparentsinc.com/donation-mobi.asp?IMO=Gabriel
The funeral will be live-streamed on Saturday, March 25th at 12pm at the following link: Livestream from St. Michael the Archangel Church – St. Michael the Archangel Parish – Leawood, KS (stmichaelcp.org)
I am very saddened by this I went through the school house with puchalla he was a great friend, Man , and fellow marine I give my condolences. Love you brother Semper Fi
God bless you, Sweet Angel Gabriel. You are missed, and loved forever. Amen
Semper Fi brother. Rip you are one of the few proud marines who have gone before you. Prayers for your family from Corporal Ed Scanlon retired.
May the angels lead him to paradise
Gabe, I can’t even begin to tell you what an impact you had on our boys. Ben and Will respected you on and off the wrestling mat. Will looked up to you as a Freshman ar SJA. He would come home talking about you and how all you wanted to do was to serve your country. Now he wants to do the same. Westpoint. Thank you for always being such a great light and a great role model to our sons. I will never forget the times seeing you on the wrestling mat and how you always worked your butt off… win or lose you always have a smile on your face. You and your beautiful smile are going to be so missed. R.I.P Gabe.
Love, The Burchard Family
Rest easy brother Marine!
The Men and Women Marines of the Marine Corps League, General Larry Oppenheimer Detachment 1025, Lenexa,Ks
With deepest sympathy – the Butlers of WV
I had the honor of being Gabriel’s music teacher throughout much of his time at SMA. He was a great singer as well as extremely kind to everyone. I’m very sad to hear of his passing and I’m continuing to think of his family throughout this difficult time.
Jennifer (Berroth) Lahasky
Rest In Peace, young brother. We’ll take the watch from here. Semper Fi!🙏🏻
Our hearts are heavy in Camp Lejeune. Sending warmth and love to Puchalla’s family and friends yesterday, today as he returns home, and always. Peace be with you. Semper Fi.
I didn’t know Gabriel, but from reading his obituary, I know he is a Marine through and through. My heart and prayers go out to his family at this tragic loss. No words can offer comfort but know that the entire Marine Corps community is grieving with you. Rest in peace, Marine.
So very sorry for your loss. Rest in heaven young man. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathy for your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
Marine mom here, I’m so sorry for your loss. TX
Prayers to your family
My heart breaks for my fellow Marine family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please reach out if there is anything the family needs to ensure Gabriel gets the proper services he deserves. Semper Fi
Our prayers are with the family at this time. Our Marine Corps family are thankful for your service LCpl Puchalla.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your son🙏🏻Prayers for your family 💙
My prayers are going up for your family. I’m so very sorry for your loss and pray God comforts you with the hope of seeing Gabriel (what a beautiful name) again one day. Semper Fi Gabriel, thank you for serving our Country.
From one Marine Corps family to another, our condolences and prayers are with you.
The Harris Family, Goldsboro NC.
My deepest condolences to the whole family – there aren’t enough words to fill the gap of this loss. Rest in peace, Marine.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
My son is there, living a couple of doors down. I was sad to hear of his passing. I know you all are so proud of his accomplishments and he will be sorely missed. RIP Marine!
Thank you for your service and Sacrifice. I sending love and healing prayers to the Family, I hope God heals your heart from this.
Hanson Family!
As a mom, particularly the Mom of a Marine, my heart goes out to the family. Though I never had he pleasure of meeting him, Gabriel sounds like the kind of young man that every mom would be proud to parent. I will pray for the family’s comfort. May Gabriel’s memory live in the hearts of all those he touched.
As a fellow Marine parent, my deepest condolences on the loss of your amazing son. His legacy will live on in the wonderful stories you continue to share about who he was and what he stood do. Many hugs.
Be well kiddo, i know you’ll be looking over your family from heaven.
Sending prayers for comfort to his family and friends! Semper Fi
My son was in boot camp with Gabe and MCT as well. I didn’t have the privilege to know Gabe except through my son, but I knew him to be a wonderful Marine and a great friend to all who knew him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be remembered always.
I am deeply sorry for this loss. Rest in Peace. He made us all proud.
This hit home when I heard the news. I went through basic training with Puchalla and we grew really close. He was a great friend, a better man, and a fellow Marine and he’ll be missed. I give my condolences to his family. Until Valhalla brother
Sending prayers for comfort and our deepest condolences.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you. My son knew this Marine through their training in Twentynine Palms. I pray that you find peace during this most difficult of times.
Thinking of you and your family during this time. Hugs from another Lejeune MoM.
Prayers and condolences to your family for your Marine from a MoM.
As a Marine Parent, I send my love and prayers to his family. Semper Fi ❤️🤍💙
May you find peace and comfort in your memories of your loved one. You are in my heart. From another M.o.M
From one Marine family to another, our deepest sympathies and prayers for peace.
R.I.P and thank you for your service.
Absolutely beautifully written obituary. I feel I know Gabriel now. A great man of great character. A great Marine of great character.
Many condolences from a fellow MoM.
As a fellow MoM and local mom, my heart is heavy for this family. Rest well Marine.
I am so sorry for your tragic loss of your precious Marine. My prayers and thoughts are with you 🙏 ❤️
So very sorry for your loss. He was a terrific son and a great young Marine. Like the Marine Corps hymn verse, we know the gates of heaven are guarded by United States Marines. Fair winds and following seas.
I’m so sorry for the family’s loss. Thank you for your service young man as short as it may been. Semper Fi
My deepest condolences for this family. May you rest in Peace LCpl. Puchalla.
Players for the family Good bless you all Rest In Peace MARINE
My sincere condolences on the sudden loss of your Marine, your precious son… I am the mom of a Marine and I just heard this horrible news. You are in my thoughts and I will pray for you during this unimaginable time of sadness and grief. Sincerely, Kris Pantis
Rest peacefully Marine, thank you for your devoted service.
Respectfully
Our deepest condolences to the family from across the River north of Kansas City. May you rest in the Peace of the Angels,Gabriel. As you are named after one of the Great Archangels. May you Have Eternal Rest and let the Perpetual Light of Christ shine upon you. As a Marine MoMma of Sgt. Henry Lehr, Camp Pendleton, my heart breaks for your family and for the Marine Corp who have lost a young man whose future in the Corps was limitless.
Lehr family, Kearney, MO
We too have lost a child and know what a difficult journey this will be. Our prayers will be with your family…
– A fellow MoM
May you rip Marine
My son is on that base
My son has many brothers therefore i have many sons 🙏🙏
I am so very sorry!!