John Burkel

John Michael Burkel, 76, of Oneida, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 14 at home surrounded by his wife and seven daughters. John was the husband of Janice Coonen Burkel and son of Claude and Lillian Burkel, Oneida, Wisconsin.

John attended elementary school at St. Joseph's grade school in Oneida and graduated from Premontre High School in 1959. He married the love of his life, Janice Coonen, on April 18, 1962.

John served with the Red Arrow Division of the US Army based in California. He joined his father's construction business and worked with him at CJ Burkel and Son's. He later co-operated the company with his brother and John ran the dairy farm. Active in community politics, John served several years as Village of Hobart Clerk. He was also a volunteer fireman for the Village of Hobart.

John was an active member of St. Joseph's parish in Oneida. He was on the parish council and finance committee; he was also an usher. John served as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus and was very active in their charity work. He was an organizer of the men's softball league for Knights of Columbus and proudly played for his team, Burkel Builders. John enjoyed his Friday night dinner at supper clubs, having lively conversation with family and friends, and an Old Fashioned at the bar. John also enjoyed meeting with his breakfast club friends every morning reminiscing about the good old days.

He is survived by his wife, Janice, to whom he was married for over 54 years. John and Janice shared many fond memories together attending Peninsula Players in Door County, traveling and hosting big family celebrations. He is also survived by his daughters, Jennifer Burkel; Jessica (Jeffrey) Koehler, their son Jeffrey Koehler; JoAC.l (Ken) Payne, their daughter Christina Payne; Rachel (James) Zambrowicz, their children Alec and Emily Zambrowicz; Rebecca (William) Hoerner, and their children Jonny and Maggie Hoerner; Belinda Burkel, and Jacqueline (Bernie) Scheer; John is also survived by siblings: Sister Claudette Burkel, James (Rose Ann) Burkel, Robert (Robin) Burkel, Marvin (Mary) Burkel, Sandra (Paul) King, and Francis (Margie) Burkel; as well as 27 nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour on Monday, April 17, 2017 from 4-8 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oneida on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, from 9:30 a.m. until the funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. with Father John Chrysostom Katamba officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Spirit Convent where John's sister, Claudette Burkel, is a missionary in Africa. Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters/In care of Sister Claudette Burkel/In Memory of John Burkel, Convent of the Holy Spirit,319 Waukegan Road, Northfield, IL 60093