ALFRED TOPEL

Alfred Emil Topel, formerly of Island Shores, Neenah, in his 91st year, passed from his earthly life to his heavenly life on May 28 at The Living Tree Estates, Greenville. He was born on June 12, 1917, in Gruenhof, Germany, to the late Adolf and Henrietta (Krueger) Topel. His skilled trade was gardening. After surviving World War II, Alfred immigrated to the United States, arriving in New York on August 23, 1950. Alfred worked for the Bergstrom Paper Company in Neenah, where he met and married the love of his life, Charlotte (Otto) Topel on March 17, 1951. Alfred continued to enjoy gardening indoor plants and outdoor vegetable and flower gardens. Fishing, photography, stamp collecting and woodworking were among Alfred's favorite hobbies. Alfred is survived by his sister, Hildegard (Topel) Rackow, Appleton; niece, Barbara (John) Findley of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; niece, Christine (Fred) Kons of Greenville, Wisconsin; nephew, Lester (Eunice) Manske; step-nephew, Hans (Judy) Schmelzling. He is further survived by other relatives in the area and relatives in Germany that include Frieda Topel (sister-in-law) and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Alfred was preceded in death by his wife Charlotte; sisters and brothers-in-law Luise (Hans) Marunde, Frieda (Max) Hoffmann, Irmgard (Willi) Hoffmann; brother Erich, brother-in-law Kurt Rackow; sisters-in-law Margaret (Hans) Schmelzling; Erna (Fritz) Otto. The Funeral Service for Alfred will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home. Pastor D.J. Engelbrecht of Trinity Lutheran Church, Neenah, will officiate. Family and friends may visit at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established in Alfred's name for the Community Hospice Foundation, ThedaCare at Home, P.O. Box 469, Neenah, 54957-0469, the Living Tree Estates, N1916 Greenville Dr., Greenville, 54942, and Trinity Lutheran Church, 407 Oak St., Neenah, 54956. We would like to thank our family and friends for their prayers and support during this time, as well as the excellent care given so lovingly by The Living Tree staff and Hospice.