Obituary of Erwin C. Poeppel

Erwin C. Poeppel passed away at Alden Estates with his family by his side on December 1, 2013. Erwin was born on July 11, 1924 on the family farm in Koshkonong Township south of Fort Atkinson to Erwin O. and Celia (Endl) Poeppel. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, and graduated from Fort Atkinson High School in 1943. During WWII, he served in the US Marine Corps with the Fifth Tank Battalion as a platoon sergeant, proudly defending his country at the battle for Iwo Jima in Pacific Theater. On June 5, 1954 he married Mary Behrens in Delavan, Wisconsin. They made their home on the family farm in Fort Atkinson. Erwin devoted his life to his family and the family business. After leaving the Marine Corps he farmed and was employed by Larson Canning Company and Moe Light as an electrician. In 1948 he partnered with his brother Merton. They farmed and established Poeppel Bros. Excavating and Septic Service. He retired in the late 1980�s. Erwin enjoyed working with his hands. He restored the vehicles he entered in the numerous antique car shows he attended throughout the county, state, and country. He was very proud to show and talk about his 1950 Willys Jeepster, 1940 Cadillac Convertible Sedan Limo, and 1957 Mack Truck; which earned him countless trophies over the years. Erwin was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, American Truck Historical Society, and the Cadillac and LaSalle Club. He is survived by his wife Mary, his children Katherine (Richard Moiel) Poeppel Houston, Texas; Sandra Nelson Lake Mills; and John (Denise) Poeppel Fort Atkinson. His grandchildren Dustin, Dillin, and Daniel Poeppel, Megan and Joseph Gaber, and Nick (Jenny) and Shelley Nelson, and two great grandchildren. His sisters Virginia Oakley, Juanita (Norman) Hathaway, and brother James (Kay) Poeppel. Erwin was proceeded in death by his parents; Merton and Justine Poeppel; James Oakley; and Lawrence Nelson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12PM on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Fort Atkinson, WI with Father Brian Wilk celebrating. Friends may call after 10AM on Thursday at the church until Mass. A Christian burial with military honors will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Visiting Angels, Alden Estates, or Rainbow Hospice. The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.