EUGENE F "SCHIPE" CHRISTEL

Eugene F. "Schipe" Christel, 85, of Kiel, died Tuesday evening, Aug. 14, 2001, at Willowdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, New Holstein.

He was born Oct. 20, 1915 in Valders, son of the late Isadore and Ida Jaeger Christel. He was a 1934 graduate of Kiel High School. Eugene as a veteran of the US Army/Air Corps during World War II, entering as a medic and was later named an intelligence specialist for the 319th Bomb Group, known as the Marauders. He was involved with air offensives in Europe, Algeria and the Mediterranean area. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant in 1945, receiving numerous medals and commendations.
On Feb. 12, 1945, he married Ruth Kazmeier at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kiel. He owned and operated Christel's Department Store, Kiel, until his retirement in 1984.

Music ran through his veins. He was an accomplished musician with a mastery of the coronet, marimba and organ. Midnight serenades were commonplace at this home. "Schipe" also loved to sing and entertained others with song right up to his final days.

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; his children; Dennis (Janet) Christel of Plymouth, Judy Schulz of New Holstein, Steven Christel of Florida, Jennifer (John ) Hildebrandt of Kiel, Thomas (Diana) Christel of Texas, Sue (Randy) Eisenhardt of Kiel, Dan Christel of Kiel, March Christel of Manitowoc and Christine (Todd) Vaaler of Arizona. He is further survived by 17 grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one brother, Roman (Erna) Christel of Brothertown. He was preceded in death by one son, Michael and 10 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in Kiel, with the Rev. Loren Nys, SDS officiating. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.