Obit: Schoelzel, Rudolph A. Jr. (1925 - 2010)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt

Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Cantrell, Gaetz, Gutenberger, Hudak, Phillips, Schoelzel, Sheets, Stine, Wachtendonk

----Source: The Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wisconsin) Wednesday, June 16, 2010, online edition

Schoelzel, Rudolph A. Jr. (June 8, 1925 - June 10, 2010)

Rudolph A. Schoelzel Jr., 85, of Burlington, passed into the arms of Jesus peacefully at home on June 10, 2010.

His wife, Kathy "The love of his life," as he called her, was by his side. 

He was born June 8, 1925, the first of 21 children to Rudolph and Olivia (nee Gutenberger) Schoelzel in Colby.

Rudy moved to Lake Geneva in 1948 as a farm hand. He then went on to work as a milk tester around Racine County. He retired in 1984 from Southern Colony after 34 years. He was a 30 year State of Wisconsin employee. 

Rudy and his wife have resided in Cedar Park for all their married life. Living on the lake, he enjoyed driving his boat and teaching his grandchildren and many others how to water-ski. He was a member of the Browns Lake Aquaducks and took first place at state for safely boat driving. He was one of the original members, and secretary-treasurer for 30 years of the Cedar Park Yacht Club. 

Rudy was a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. He was a treasured neighbor and friend. Before his own illness, he took care of the block’s elderly by snow blowing walks and driveways in winter, and mowing, seeding and caring for their lawn in other seasons. 

He was known in Cedar Park as the "bicycle fix-it-man." He made sure all the kids had safe bikes to ride, dipping into his won pocket for new tires, rims, brakes and etc. The kids knew him well and would always bring their bikes to him. 

Rudy also served as a foster father to Mary Ellen and Kathryn through some of their difficult years. He was a good and caring man who was deeply loved by many and he will be missed immensely. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dwayne, Lyle, Arlen and sisters, Patzy, Doris and Beatrice. 

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kathy, and his beloved son/grandson, Aaron. He is also

survived by his three daughters, Barbara, Marilyn and Cheryl; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. His brothers, Gerald (Joan), Darnell (Janice), Ronald Sr., Glen (Ramona), James (Bonnie), Dennis (Edith); sisters, Darlene (Edward) Wachtendonk, Ione Sheets, Emerite (Ray) Phillips, Audris Gaetz, Cassandra (Jim) Hudak, Connie (Dwayne) Stine and Korliss Uhlig; and numbers nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends also survive him. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home in Burlington with Rev. Jim Cantrell presiding. Burial will follow at Burlington Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Monday, June 14 from 4 - 8 p.m. and also on Tuesday, June 15 from 12 Noon until 1 p.m. at the funeral home.

Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory, 625 Browns Lake Dr., Burlington, WI 53105 is assisting the family with arrangements. www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com