HERMAN MADEL

Herman "Bud" J. Madel, age 86 of Neenah, passed away peacefully May 14, 2015 with his children by his side. He was born on May 15, 1928 to the late Joseph H. and Arvilla T. (Olson) Madel in Oshkosh. On June 23, 1951, he married Cordell M. Kuhnke, who preceded him in death on December 20, 2011. Herman will always be remembered as a very kind and compassionate man with a huge heart. He was very generous and always tried to make sure everything was fair for everybody. Although he did not have one himself, Herman was a firm believer in a full education. He was a self-taught handyman that often made the greatest things out of the simplest junk and was one of the smartest people when it came to finances. Herman was also a proud veteran, having served for a year in the Merchant Marines, and for three years in the Coast Guard as a cook. He was actually scheduled to take the Old Glory Honor Flight on Thursday, but took the Ultimate Flight to Heaven instead. After his time in the service he worked for James River for 34 years, retiring in 1990. He was also a trustee of the Neenah/Menasha Elks Club, Lodge 676 for 32 years and was a very active member of the community. In his free time, Herman loved playing cards, especially Cribbage and Sheephead. He could often be found hunting on his land in Lily, WI, and was lucky enough to spend eight winters with his loving wife in Arizona. Herman will be sadly missed by his three children, Gerald D. (Laurel) Madel; Vickie R. (Dean "Deano") Sopata; and Douglas S. Madel; his grandchildren: Jessica (Lee) Schmidt; Justin Madel; Joel (Erin) Madel; Douglas D. (Kaitlin) Madel; Kellie Rae (Brian) Kjesbo; and Scott (Emily) Sopata; and his great-grandchildren: Kayliegh, Kiera, Lexi, Parker Rae, and Rylee. He is further survived by his siblings: Lorraine Nowak, Oshkosh; Alvin Madel, FL; Betty "Betsy" Schmiedel, AZ; Patricia "Patsy" Olson, MN; Leonard (Pat) Madel, Oshkosh; Gloria "Baby" (Jerry) Jagodinski, AZ; and Sandy (Harley) Vincent, VA; as well as many nieces, nephews, and special friends, Ernie and Sherry Bellin. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald D. Madel, who was pronounced dead after being MIA in the Korean Conflict. A funeral service for Herman will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Monday, May 18, 2015 at Immanuel United Church of Christ, 118 Oak St., Neenah, Rev. Greg Smith officiating. The visitation will be held at the church Monday from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M., at which time the Elks Club will be performing their memorial service. Military Honors will follow. Herman will then be cremated and laid to rest with Cordell. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Old Glory Honor Flight or the Wisconsin Parkinson Association Herman's family would like to extend a warm thank you to the nurses and staff at Prairie Homes for their care and compassion throughout his short stay. Also, thank you to the nurses of Heartland Hospice for their ability to make Herman's last days more peaceful and comfortable. Dad, you're finally resting in peace. No more loneliness, no more pain, no more worry. We're so proud of your accomplishments and tenacity. You had endurance and wit like no other. You instilled honest, hard work and frugality in the entire family. We will miss your guidance and zest for life. You were a very special man. Your work is done here on Earth.