BASIL SCHRAUFNAGEL

Basil J. Schraufnagel, age 88, of Neenah passed away on Thursday morning, March 10, 2016, surrounded by his loving family at Theda Clark Medical Center. He was born on November 29, 1927 in Glidden, Wisconsin, son of the late Henry J. and Elizabeth (Alexander) Schraufnagel. After high school, Basil proudly served his country with the U.S. Army Air Corps. After his time in the service he attended UW Madison. On August 23rd, 1949 Basil married Janice E. Spaniol at Gesu Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Their marriage was blessed with 4 daughters, 7 sons, and 66 wonderful years. Basil was a very active member of St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Neenah. He was a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, a Member of the Order of St. Francis and Catholic Order of Foresters, and volunteered for the Salvatorian Mission in New Holstein. Basil was employed by Soo Line Railroad Co. from 1947 until 1987, and continued with Wisconsin Central Railroad until his retirement. He belonged to the Rusty Rails after his retirement. Basil was also a CPA, helping many with their income taxes, and owned Basil Schraufnagel Insurance Company. He loved golfing, and shot a hole-in-one at Winnegamie Golf Course. He also enjoyed traveling in Europe. He loved picking raspberries from his patch in his bib overalls, and everybody was welcomed to join him. Basil's greatest joys were his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved taking walks with them to the cheese factory, and giving them wheelbarrow rides in the yard. He will be greatly missed by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; his daughters: Janice (Robert) Moen, Long Grove, IL; Dr. Jane (David) Jelinek, Ashwaubenon; Judy (Wayne) Hildebrand, Menasha; Joann (Murray) Conery, Menasha; sons: James B. (Jean), Neenah; Jeffery (Diane), Neenah; John (Denise), Columbus, OH; Jerry (Lori), Appleton; Joe (Heide), Sherwood, Jay (Jennifer), Oshkosh; 32 grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; brother Jack (Diane), Illinois; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Basil was preceded in death by his infant son, Basil Joseph, Jr., a son-in-law, Jose Echeverria; four brothers; one sister.

The Funeral Mass for Basil will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church (900 Geiger St., Neenah) with Rev. Larry Seidl officiating. Friends will be received at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be in St. Margaret Cemetery, Neenah. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.