Wilburt William Topel

Wilburt William Topel, 90, Milwaukee, WI, died January 21, 2017 at approximately 9:40am, at Aurora St. Luke’s Hospital in Milwaukee WI. Loving husband of the late Lucille for 58 years. He was the son of Herman Topel and Selda (Timmerman) born on April 23, 1926 in Linton Township, Allamkee County, IA. He attended Linton School #6 country 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 where 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 guitars that he bought back in the 1950’s. He played almost every day 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 Reuben 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 Iazzi, Milwaukee; Curtis Topel, Mukwonago and 4 great-grandchildren; Peyton Skowron, Talia Iazzi, Aynslee Topel, Audrey Topel; brothers, Alfred Topel, Donald (Delores) Topel, Wayne (Bernice) Topel of Waukon IA and Gary (Jamie) Topel, Corpus Christie TX, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday January 27th from 4-7PM at the FUNERAL HOME. Visitation will continue on Saturday at WISCONSIN MEMORIAL PARK–Chapel of the Chimes– (13235 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield WI) from 10-11AM, with a service at 11AM. Entombment to follow.