Wilfred ''Will'' A. Van Abel

Van Abel, Wilfred A.
“Will”
Hollandtown

Age 83, died at his home early Tuesday morning on October 22, 2002. He was born on July 13, 1919, the son of the late William and Nell (Curtin) Van Abel. He attended Kaukauna High School and also attended one year at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1940 and trained to become a fighter pilot. During World War II, he served our country by flying a P-47 fighter plane in the 56th Fighter Group, 63rd Squadron. In September, 1943, he was shot down and was a prisoner of war for 21 months. On August 28, 1954, he married Anne “Duff” Duffy at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hollandtown. Will was very active and served in many organizations. He was a member of and served: the Knights of Columbus as an honorary lifetime member, the Urban Klister Post 436 of the American Legion in Wrightstown, Fox Valley Golf Club as a charter member, Ducks Unlimited, Holland Sanitary District for 40 years (also serving as President), Justice of the Peace in Hollandtown, Hollandtown Fire Department as a charter member, Brown County Zoning Commission, and even earned the honor of being the Schut King in 1968. Will enjoyed golfing for many years at Fox Valley Golf Club. He also looked forward to his fishing trips to Lake Vieux Desert and the spring walleye run. He especially loved goose hunting over Collins Marsh with his trusty labradors. Will, along with Duff, Don and Bernice, were best known for their operation of Van Abel’s Supper Club.

Will is survived by his wife, Duff, five sons: Tim (Nancy) Van Abel, Mike (Diane) Van Abel, John “Gus” (JoAnn) Van Abel, Jerry (Paula) Van Abel, and Patrick (Kristie) Van Abel; one daughter, Jane (Gary) Marx; 18 grandchildren: Willie, Maggie, Jenny and Kelsey Van Abel; Jack, Joe, Ann and Mary Marx; Joe, Laura, Leah and Maria Van Abel; Molly, Sarah, and Michael Van Abel; and Kyle, Dean and Roslyn Van Abel; a brother, Don Van Abel; a sister, Marianne (Ralph) Griesbach; and a sister-in-law, Julie Hooyman. Will is further survived by in-laws; Judge Bill Duffy and Kathleen “Tink” Duffy; and special nieces: Patricia Lindberg, Sue Van Abel, Katie Coenen and Joan Van Abel.

Will is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Robert and Jerry Van Abel; a sister, Nancy and brother-in-law Bud Grams; sisters-in-law, Bernice and Helen Van Abel; and in-laws, John Duffy, Frank and Helen Baumann and Betty Duffy.

The funeral liturgy will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 25, 2002, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 433 County CE, Hollandtown, with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Thursday, October 24, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at St. Francis Cemetery.

A special thanks to all of the employees, past and present, friends and customers of Van Abel Brothers Supper Club.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Will’s name has been established. Donations will be distributed to local charities.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 West Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
9920) 766-6200