Lucille Joyce Topel

Lucille Joyce Ralston Topel, 76, Milwaukee, WI, died June 27, 2011 1:15pm, at Zilber Family Hospice Facility in Wauwatosa WI. She was the daughter of Earl J. Ralston and Phoena Ann Evans Ralston born on May 22, 1935, on her parent’s farm southwest of Rossville, Iowa. She attended the Bear Hollow Country School in Franklin Township and the Waukon High School in Waukon Iowa.

She was a younger child of nine siblings. There were seven older than her and one younger. She also had 4 sisters and 4 brothers.

On February 6, 1954, she married Wilburt Topel at the Methodist Church near 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 where they settled to raise their family. Once all the children began school, Lucille starting working as a cook. She worked at several restaurants before retiring with Wilburt.

She spent many years in scouting. She acted as a Den Mother for several years, then became a trainer for future Den Mothers. She was awarded the covenant Silver Beaver in 1986, the highest honor given for those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self sacrifice
dedication and many years of service. It is given to those who do not actively seek it.

Preceding her in death were her parents; granddaughter, Jillian Topel age 3; four sisters and three brother-in-laws, Beulah and Milo Livingood, Postville, IA, Helen and George Gelo, Waukon, IA, Marjorie and Ruben Shutte, Decorah, IA; Roberta Livingood, Postville, IA, three brothers, Curtis Ralston age 6, Dale Ralston and his wife Mildred, Lenexa, KS, Gerald Ralston, Escondido, CA and sister-in-law, Pat Ralston, Los Angeles, CA.

Survivors include her husband, Wilburt; daughters, Sandra Dowske, Milwaukee; Vicki Paul Lewis, Mukwonago; sons, Russell Wina Topel, Sheboygan; Dennis Topel, Goodyear AZ; seven grandchildren, Scott Topel, Bloomington, MN, Cory Topel, Madison; Christopher Dowske, Los Angeles, CA; Alexander Dowske, Milwaukee; Sarah Skowron, Milwaukee; Curtis Topel, Mukwonago; Greta Mau-Lewis, Racine and 3 great-grandchildren; Peyton Skowron, Aynslee Topel, Audrey Topel; brother, Leon Pauline Ralston, Dubois, WY, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2011, at 4-7pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 6615 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI and also Friday July 1, 10-11am with the funeral services at 11 am at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Family Center, 12875 W. Capital Dr., Brookfield, WI. Entombment will follow at Wisconsin Memorial Park Cemetery.