JAMES DAVEL

James Richard Davel, age 91, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 9, 2023. He was born on April 11, 1932, in Marshfield, WI to the late Lawrence and Nettie Davel. He met his wife, Lorna, through an introduction by a mutual friend. They were married in Marshfield, WI on August 7, 1954. 

James was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served from February 1952 until January 1956 where he earned the rank of Airman First Class. Much of his enlistment was spent in Bermuda where he worked as a draftsman. He would joke and say he had the important job to paint signs so the men knew the difference between the mess hall and latrine. By trade, James was a commercial artist. He was employed by Wisconsin Tissue Mills for over 35 years, retiring in 1995.

In his free time, he loved to paint, make furniture and birdhouses, garden and read. For over 40 years, he spent family vacations in Door County where he drew much of his inspiration for his artwork. 

James is survived by his five children: Victoria Davel (Jeff Franke), Steven Davel (Bonnie), Cynthia Hockenberry (James), Mary Glisczinski (Jeff) and Michael Davel (Mary). He is further survived by his 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. James was preceded in death by Lorna, his wife of 68 years, his brother Ronald Davel and one grandchild, Charles Davel. 

Mass of Christian burial for James will be June 27, 2023, at ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 404 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton. Visitation will take place at the church, Tuesday morning beginning at 9:00 AM until the 10:30 AM Mass. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to James' favorite charity, Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital, or a charity of your choice. 

James' family would like to extend a special thank you to his nurse Rebecca Philpot, the team of hospice nurses from ThedaCare at Home, caregivers, and the staff at Island Shores in Neenah for the excellent care they provided to our father.