Clifford E.

Topel

Clifford Everett Topel, 96, Lake Mills, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away surrounded by his family at home Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020.

He was born in Lake Mills on the family farm on Oct. 4, 1923, located where St. Paul Lutheran Church now stands, to the late W.C. and Mabel (Strauss) Topel. He was the second of seven children. Cliff was baptized at the family home on Dec. 16, 1923.

He grew up farming and raising Duroc Jersey Hogs with his family. Cliff was a charter member of the Southside Eagles 4-H Club. He attended the City School, St. Paul's School, Brick Street School and Lake Mills High School for two years, before quitting to help his family farm full time.

He became the farm machinery repair man for the neighborhood and in 1948, Cliff and his family founded and developed the repair business, Topel's Lakeside Service, currently known as Topel's Towing & Repair, 1110 S. Main Street. Cliff also helped develop Topel's Mobile Home Park, including creating the boat channels. For many years he sold International trucks and Bridgestone motorcycles, Wheelhorse, and TORO Power Equipment. He mastered the towing profession and was proud to pass that talent and knowledge on to his son, nephews and many others over the years. He was a 10-year member of the Rotary Club and belonged to the Lake Mills Chamber of Commerce and the Wisconsin Towing Association.

As a young man, he frequented local dance halls and enjoyed dancing his whole life. His first date with the lucky woman he would one day marry was at a dance hall. Cliff married Violet (Bobholz) on Feb. 12, 1966 at St Stephens Church in Beaver Dam. He found someone that not only shared his hobbies, but his faith. They were married in February, so they could honeymoon at his home away from home at the Daytona 500. Over the course of their marriage, they enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. and through Europe. They were best friends and were married for almost 54 years.

During his younger years the hobby he enjoyed the most was stock car racing. Cliff spent winters in Florida where he attended the races at Daytona Beach and was at the first race at Daytona Motor Speedway. He met and partied with AJ Foyt at the racetrack. Cliff provided the towing service at Jefferson Speedway for many years.

Cliff spent time snowmobiling and was a member of Flat Traxx Snowmobile Club. Cliff and Vi attended many car shows and parades over the years and were members of the Model A Restorers Club of Madison and Jefferson Collectibles Club. He was proud of his German Heritage and combined his hobbies every year at Gemuetlichkeit Days. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church where he was confirmed on April 5, 1936.

Over the years his biggest joy was his family. Their daughter, Pamela and Mark Shefferman of Sparta, New Jersey and his grandson, Alex Shefferman (fiancé Christina Morris) from Dallas, Texas. Their son, Daniel (Tara Schroedl) Topel and his grandchildren, Mallory and Christian, all of Lake Mills. He could always be found supporting them at their many activities.

He is further survived by his siblings, Earl (Dee) Topel, Lake Mills, Ellen (Gerald) White, Waukesha; David (Jay-Lin) Topel, Ames, Iowa; sister-in-law, Delores Topel, Lake Mills. Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers, Wilbur (Florence) Topel; Lynn  Topel; Harvey (Patricia) Topel all of Lake Mills and his sister-in-law, Jackie Topel of Ames, IA. Cliff will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, other relatives, customers and friends. He helped put the legendary in Lake Mills.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2020 at the St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church in Lake Mills.

Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at Topel's Towing & Repair, 1110 S. Main St., Lake Mills and also after 1:30 p.m. on Sunday at the church until the time of service.

Burial will be in St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rainbow Hospice; St. Paul Lutheran Church; or the International Towing Museum Survivor Fund.

Ein Prosit!

www.claussenfuneralhome.com