Roger F. Pitel, 88 of Tomah and formerly of the town of Clifton died Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015, at Close to Home.
He was born July 26, 1927, to Frank and Louise (Paneitz) Pitel. He was baptized into the Christian faith on Aug. 21, 1927 at St. Luke’s in Milwaukee and confirmed on June 14, 1942, at St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Indian Creek.
Roger proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army; he served during the Asian-Pacific Theater and World War II. Roger was united in marriage to Elaine Rueckheim. She preceded him in death Nov. 2, 2015. Roger and Elaine moved to the West Allis area earlier in life, returning to the Clifton area in 1955.
Roger was very hardworking and had a strong work ethic. He worked several years as a butter churner for the Clifton Creamery. Later he worked for the State of Wisconsin at Camp Williams/Volk Field in the maintenance department; he retired in 1992. He also spent countless hours taking care of a variety of local cemeteries.
Roger enjoyed spending time visiting with neighbors and friends. In his spare time, Roger enjoyed painting, bowling, throwing horseshoes, dancing, woodworking, playing in Euchre tournaments in Clifton on Sunday afternoons, and cheering for the Green Bay Packers.
He was a faithful and devoted member of St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge and a past member of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Indian Creek, where he served on the church council. He also volunteered for Aid Association for Lutherans. Roger was a member of the William J. Schriver Kendall American Legion Post 309. Roger was a faithful and devoted husband, acting as primary caregiver to his wife, Elaine, for many years.
He is survived by three children, Mark (Becky) of Tomah, Richard (Mary) of Sparta, and Linda Ridlehoover of Myrtle Beach, S,C.; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and an expected great-grandchild; two brothers, Calvin (Kathy) Pitel of Greenville, Wis., and Larry (Ann) Pitel of Tomah; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine, and two sisters-in-law,
A funeral service will be at 12 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21, at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, South Ridge, 25525 County Hwy. P, rural Ontario. Pastor Steven W. Neuman will officiate. Burial will be in South Ridge Lutheran Cemetery with military honors by the William J. Schriver Kendall American Legion Post 309.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Monday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Wilton is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
