Elfering, Noel A. 80 years old, lifelong resident of Bristol, WI passed away unexpectedly Monday July 4, 2011 at one of his favorite places, his property in Humbird, WI. He was born July 27, 1930 on the farm where he still resides, the son of the late Felix and Ruby (Engelbrecht) Elfering, attending Hazel Dell Grade School and graduating from Antioch Community High School in 1949. Noel was a lifelong dairy farmer, for 15 years operated Noel Elfering & Sons Garbage Co., and before his retirement in 2008 was a bus driver for 27 years for the Millburn School District. Noel was a member of the Bristol Town Board for many years, acting as Supervisor for four years and Chairman from 1975-1990, and currently served on the Board of Review for the Village of Bristol. He was a founding member of St. Scholastica Holy Cross Church, Bristol, where he served on the building and planning committee. He was also a member of the Antique Tractor Assoc., member and former board member of the Kenosha Co. Farm Bureau, currently was serving as Director for Kenosha Co. Mutual Ins., formerly was the Secretary for the Wisconsin Towns Assoc., and was a member of many other organizations. Noel was very dedicated to the community, receiving the Town of Bristol Outstanding Citizen of the Year, in 2004. He enjoyed: hunting, being a private pilot in his airplane, working on his 1928 Model A Special Coupe, traveling and camping with the Jolly Green Giant Bus and his grandchildren, going to the property in WI, and being with family, having picnics, playing horseshoes, and playing cards. Noel was also a big fan and proud stockholder of the Green Bay Packers. On June 27, 1953 he married Joanne Kiehl at St. Peter Church, Antioch, IL. Survivors include: his wife of 58 years Joanne; seven children: Dennis (Jan) of Brighton, WI, Douglas (Sally) of Paris, WI, Dale (Janet) of Bristol, Donna (Jeff) Moon of Indianapolis, IN, Duane (Lisa) of Barneveld, WI, Dean (Karen) of Bristol and Debra (Shawn) Haney of Brighton; 24 grandchildren: Jennifer (David), Jessica (Ryan), Janene (Charlie), Michael (Tina), Marcus, Megan, Daniel, Dustin, Daniel, Michael, Kelly, Natalie, Noelle, Nicole, Alizabeth, Andrew, Autumn, Aria, Abigail, America, Ashley, Renee, Rebecca, and Reece; four great grandchildren: Cole, Morgan, Nolan, Brookelyn; a sister Sr. Michele Elfering C.J.S. of La Grange, IL, sister-in-laws: Lucille, Leona, and Annamari Elfering, Joyce Ehrhart (Dutch) and Janice (Jerry) Hassett; his faithful dog Peanut; and many other relatives and many many friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sons: Donald Felix and David Noel; a granddaughter Crystal Rae, and his siblings: Mary Morrissey, Felix, Donald, Robert, and Walter. Funeral services with Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM Saturday July 9, 2011 at Holy Cross Church, 18700 116th. St. Bristol, WI, 53104. Interment will follow in St. Scholastica Cemetery, Bristol. Visitation will be held from 3PM until 8PM Friday at the STRANG FUNERAL HOME OF ANTIOCH, 1055 Main St. (Rte. 83) Antioch, IL 60002. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Milwaukee Children's Hospital, Jodi Lou Foundation, or the Congregation of St. Joseph are appreciated in his memory.
