John D. Steudel

JOHN D. STEUDEL
488 West Highland Park Avenue
Appleton

Age 81, died on Saturday, August 3, 2002, 1:53 p.m. at Appleton Medical Center.

John was born on August 20, 1920, in Appleton, to the late William and Emma (Tilly) Steudel. He proudly served his country during World War II as a member of the Fighting Foxes in the United States Navy. John married Hazel Thiele on August 5, 1944. He was employed at AAL for over 45 years. His duties at AAL included Claims Department Manager and Corporate Secretary; he retired as Senior Vice President in 1983. John was active in the operations of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, serving as treasurer for 9 years (during the school building project); and was also a member of the Church Choir for over fifty years (at times acting as temporary director). He was also involved with Fox Valley Lutheran High School, acting as treasurer and a member of the Board of Regents for 6 years; and Secretary of the FVL Foundation Board for over 20 years. His contributions to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod included serving as chairman of the North Wisconsin District Messeo Dei and the Called To Serve projects; the Coordinating Council of the Synod for over 20 years; a member of the Program Budget Review Committee of the Coordinating Council; the Pension Board for over 25 years; serving on the Personnel Committee; serving on the Investment Committee; and serving on many Ad-Hoc Committees for the Synod. He was also active in Wisconsin Lutheran Child and Family Services, serving as a board member for 6 years; the Building Committee for Luther Haven; and as a board member on the Wisconsin Lutheran Retirement Committee for ten years. His civic activities included the United Fund, where he was President and Campaign Chairman; he served as president of the Wisconsin Fraternal Congress; and held offices in the National Fraternal Congress. John was also on the Board of Directors of Associated Bank for many years.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling and traveling, especially trips to Maine for lobster. Family was a vital part of John’s life. He set aside time for family vacations and activities and was always available to provide Christian counseling and advice. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends, attending Packers games for over 60 years and watching sports on television.

Survivors include his wife Hazel of 57 years; his daughter, Sandra (Clifford) Buelow, Brookfield, Wisconsin; his son James (Joanne) Steudel, Bartlett, Illinois; his son, David Steudel, Appleton; fourteen grandchildren; his brother, Robert (Mary) Steudel, Green Bay; and his brothers-in-law, Arthur O'Conner and Carl Rahn. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy O'Connor and Ruth Rahn; and son-in-law Wally Knaack.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2002 at ST. PAUL EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 302 North Morrison Street, Appleton, with Rev. Ralph C. Waack officiating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery, Appleton. Friends may call at the Wichmann Funeral Home, on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m., and directly at the church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church or Fox Valley Lutheran High School.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton 920-739-1231