TOPEL, Wilburt William 1926 - 2017

TOPEL, TIMMERMAN, RALSTON, DOWSKE, LAZZI, SKOWRON, KEEHN, SHINDOLL

Posted By: Cindy Maust Smith (email)
Date: 8/22/2020 at 11:16:54

Milwaukee Journal, January 21, 2017, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Wilburt William Topel, 90, died January 21, 2017, at approximately 9:40 am, at Aurora St. Luke's Hospital in Milwaukee, WI. Loving husband of the late Lucille for 58 years. He was the son of Herman and Selda (Timmerman) Topel, born on April 23, 1926 in Linton Township, Allamakee County, IA. He attended Linton School #6 county school until the 8th grade.

He was the oldest of eight children.

Wilburt was a PFC in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952 where he was hurt in the line of duty, he then received an Honorable Discharge in 1954.

On February 6, 1954, he married Lucille Ralston at the United Methodist Church in Monona, Iowa. They were blessed with four children, Russell, Dennis, Sandra and Vicki. They made their way east following Wilburt's career with the railroad. They eventually reached Milwaukee, WI in 1958 when they settled to raise their family. Wilburt worked 2 full time jobs for many years to support this family. He worked as a Telegraph Operator for the Milwaukee Road, a cab driver for Yellow Cab and a warehouse worker at Brock-White Construction. The Milwaukee Road was his primary employment and he retired after 38 years of service. After his retirement, he worked as a security guard for several years.

He spent many years in scouting, being a Scoutmaster to many Boy Scouts along the way. He received the District Award of Merit. He was an active member of the American Legion Post - Tanner Paull Post #120. In addition, he was in the Railroad Bowling League for many years.

Wilburt enjoyed playing guitar and singing and had played for many years. He had his 2 cherished quitars that he bought back in the 1950's. He played almost everyday and they were given tender loving care. Most recently, he played with some people at his apartment complex, putting on a show every month. He would sit in with many local country musicians and would often play at special events.

Preceding him in death were his parents; granddaughter, Jillian Topel, age 3; two sisters, one brother and one brother-in-law, Darlene Keehn, Eileen and Rueben Shindoll, Robert Topel of Waukon, IA. Also, nephew Steve Topel of Waukon, IA.

Survivors include: daughters, Sandra Dowske, Milwaukee; Vicki Topel, Mukwonago; sons, Russell (Wina) Topel, Sheboygan; Dennis Topel, Goodyear, AZ; seven grandchildren; Scott Topel, MN, Cory Topel, Madison; Christopher Dowske, CA; Alexander Dowske, Milwaukee; Sarah Lazzi, Milwaukee; Curtis Topel, Mukwonago and 4 great-grandchildren; Peyton Skowron, Talia Lazzi, Aynslee Topel, Audrey Topel; brothers, Alfred Topel, Donald (Deloris) Topel, Wayne (Bernice) Topel of Waukon, IA and Gary (Jamie) Topel, Corpus Christi, TX; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday, January 27th from 4 - 7 PM at the Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation will continue on Saturday at Wisconsin Memorial Park - Chapel of the Chimes from 10 - 11 AM, with a service at 11 AM. Entombment to follow.