Oconto County WIGenWeb Project
Collected and posted by BILL
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OCONTO COUNTY
Wisconsin
FAMILIES and BIOGRAPHIES

TOPEL
DICKS – KRISCHEFSKI – KRESCHEFSKI

Researched and contributed by Gloria Olson &
descendant contact: Mary Carl

Wilhelmina (DICKS) married Martin Krischefski in Germany around 1863. They had four sons and one daughter together.  Martin died in Germany sometime around 1876. Wilhelmina (DICKS) Krischefski then married Albert H. Topel in Germany in 1878.  Albert & Wilhelmina Topel and family immigrated from Germany to Pensaukee, Wisconsin. They arrived in New York on 29 April 1881 from Germany, on ship Assyrian Monarch, departing  from London, England. On the ship were Albert Topel, his wife, Wilhelmina, the next five children were all Krischefski’s but they came over as Topel’s.  Albert age 11, August age 10, Herman age 10, Wilhelm age 9, Ida age 7, and then Bertha Topel age 6 months.  Bertha was the natural daughter of Albert Topel.  Albert’s brother Gustave came the same year, but not on the same ship.  In May 1888 their other brother, John came to Pensaukee too.  They all had descendants who were part of the fishing fleet of Pensaukee.

This family journal only contains the descendants of Wilhelmina (DICKS) Krischefski Topel.
 

1. WilhelminaJohanna Martulle1 DICKS, daughter of Fred DICKS, was born in Germany 1 Apr. 1844. Surname found spelled Dix and Dicks in church records. Wilhelmina died 20 Apr. 1936 at her daughter Mary’s home in Pensaukee, WI., were she had been living for the last year of her life.  Wilhelmina was totally blind when she died. She was 92 years of age. Birth and death dates from death certificate, Oconto VR. Buried in Brookside cemetery. Informant, Albert Topel, husband.

Obituary

Oconto County Reporter
April 23, 1936.

Mrs. Wilhelmine Topel, 92 years and 19 days, passed away at 6:45 Monday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Mealy, at Pensaukee, where she had made her home the past year. She had been ill one year, diseases incident to old age being stated as the cause of her death.

The funeral was held at 3 o'clock this afternoon from the Grace Lutheran church at Pensaukee with the Rev. L. F. Schneider officiating. Burial was in the Brookside cemetery.
The casket was carried by Earl Topel of Kenosha, Edward Swiedarke, Oconto, Ervin Topel of Marinette, Walter Kreshefski, Oconto, Howard and Gordon Topel of Pensaukee. (These are all grandsons.)

Wilhelmine Diecks (the correct spelling is Dicks) was born April 1, 1844 in Germany, She married Albert Topel in Germany and came to the town of Pensaukee shortly after, living there ever since.

Mrs. Topel was a member of the Ladies' Aid of the Grace Lutheran church.

Surviving are the husband; four children, Fred of Pensaukee, Mrs. Henry Swiedarke, Sr., of Oconto, Otto Topel of Pensaukee and Mrs. Mary Mealy of Pensaukee; 27 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

.
The Krischefski name goes through a lot of spellings it is found spelled Krischefski, Kreschefski, Kreshefske and Kreschefsky.

Also, it appears the children changed their name to Topel. Ferdinand and August change their names to Topel circa early 1900 after their marriages and a number of their children are baptized Krischefski in Christus Lutheran Church records at Pensaukee. Albert obviously used Topel, as shown on some records and his obit. In the Christus church records for his funeral (1910) he is recorded as Albert Theo. Krischefski, as he is on his death certificate, but obit reads A. K. Topel. It appears his children continued to use the surname with a spelling of Kreschefske, except for William who was known as, Richard Topel. Albert's brother, Fred's descendants all went by Topel, as shown in their confirmation and later records. This is a difficult group to trace, as the surname is not consistent on all records.

Adding to the confusion, there were 3 Albert Topels, all at one time in Pensaukee.   Albert Topel, step-father, aka Albert Topel SR, Albert Theodore Kreschefske aka Albert Topel Jr. and Albert Topel, son of John Topel, brother to Albert Topel, married to Agnes Pope.
This has been an interesting journey straightening this all out.

Wilhelmina married Albert H. TOPEL in Germany, circa 1878.  Albert was born in Germany 25 March 1854. Albert was the son of Theodore TOPEL and Karoline WARSKOW-WARSCHKOW. Albert died 29 July 1939 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at 85 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 14, pg. 7. Informant was Mrs. Mary Mealy who listed his name as Albert Topel, Sr., age 86 years 2 mo. and 3 days. (Name spelled Topal on gravestone, buried at Brookside cemetery. This is a replacement gravestone, the first one was destroyed by a car hitting it and the name spelled wrong on the replacement.

Obituary

Oconto County Reporter
Aug. 3, 1939.

Albert Topel, Sr., 86, retired Pensaukee farmer and resident of Oconto county since 1881, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Mary Mealy, Pensaukee, Saturday. Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. Mealy in Pensaukee at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon and at 2:00 p.m. from the Grace Lutheran church at Pensaukee. Rev. L. F. Schneider officiated. Six grandsons acted as pallbearers and granddaughters took charge of the flowers. Gagnon Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Interment was in the Brookside Cemetery.

The deceased was born in Germany and came to this country in 1881. He retired from farming abut five years ago and has made his home with his daughter since. Survivors are two sons, Ferdinand and Otto, both of Pensaukee, two daughters, Mrs. Mary Mealy, Pensaukee, and Mrs. Henry Swiedarke, Oconto.

On the 1900 census enumerated in Pensaukee, Albert's occupation is farmer, he is age 46 born Mar. 1854 and Minnie is age 56, born Apr. 1844. They have living with them daughter Mary age 16 born May 1884, and Arthur, son age 14. born Jan. 1886, (suspect this should read Otto as they never had a son Arthur, but it is recorded this way.)

On 1910 census, enumerated at same location, Albert H. is age 56, married once for 32 years. His wife Wilhelmina J. is age 66, married twice, she had 16 children 6 living. They immigrated 1881. They are living on Connection St. next to her son Fredrick (Krischefski) Topel married to Nell S. Livermore and his occupation is farmer, general farm.

Enumerated on the 1920 census, in Town of Pensaukee. Married once for 32 years. Albert is age 61, both in Germany, immigrated in 1881, naturalized in 1906, occupation farmer. Wife Minnie is age 75.

This family immigrated from Pommern, Germany.

Wilhelmina DICKS and Martin KRISCHEFSKI had the following children:

 2. Albert Theodore Reinhold2 KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL was born 16 Nov. 1864.
 3. Ferdinand R. KRISCHEFSKI AKA was born 15 Oct. 1867.
 4. August Ferdinand Carl KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL was born 3 August 1869.
 5. Wilhelm "William" KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL was born 28 Jan. 1872.
 6. Ida Gertrude Julianne KRISCHEFSKI was born 26 Dec. 1874.

Wilhelmina DICKS and Albert W. TOPEL had the following children:

   7.   Bertha Evelina TOPEL was born in Germany 20 May 1880. Bertha died 16 April 1892 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at 11 years of age. Oconto VR. Vol. 3, pg 61. Cause diphtheria, buried Brookside cemetery. Information from Christis church records.

  8. Franz Emil Wilhelm Robert TOPEL was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 01 Oct. 1882. Baptized on 22 October 1882 at Christus Lutheran church. Witnesses were; Wilhelm Schmidt, Emil Hovser?, Gustave Topel, Dorothea Schmidt, Elsie Baumgartner. Franz died 19 June 1887 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at 4 years of age. Christus Lutheran church records. Buried 21 June 1887 in Brookside cemetery. "Frankie" as he was called, drowned.
  9. Maria "Mary" Wilhelmina Caroline TOPEL was born 02 May 1884.
10. Otto George Reinhold TOPEL was born 01 Jan. 1886.

2. Albert Theodore Reinhold 2 KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL (Wilhelmina1 DICKS) was born Kleinosin, Pommern Germany 16 Nov. 1864. Also know as Albert K. Topel, Jr. Albert died 22 Feb. 1910 Pensaukee, Oconto County, WI., at 45 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 5, pg. 693. Cause of death paralyses. Occupation was hotel and tavern keeper.  Christus Lutheran church records read Krieschefski as does the death certificate. Buried 24 Feb.1910 Brookside cemetery. His obit appeared in the Oconto County Reporter on 24 Feb. 1910. It definitely proves he was known as A. K. Topel.

Albert K. Topel, proprietor of the Pensaukee House and well known in Oconto county, died at his home about 12 o'clock Monday evening, after a lingering illness with spinal and kidney trouble.

Deceased was 44 years of age and was born in Germany. He came to Pensaukee in 1881 where he has since resided, He was taken to St. Vincent's hospital at Green Bay a couple of weeks age but the physicians could do nothing to save his life.

Mr. Topel is survived by his wife, one daughter, two sons, mother, step-father, four brothers and two sisters, who have the sympathy of their many friends in their hour of affliction.

The funeral was held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the Lutheran church at Pensaukee, Rev. Eisenbach of this city officiating, with interment in the Brookside cemetery.
(The name on the tombstone is spelled Kreschefski)

He married Susanna Elizabeth "Lizzie" WENSING Pensaukee, Wisconsin, Dec. 26, 1888, Christus Lutheran Church records. Married by Chas. J. Waltner, Pastor. Witnesses: Ferdinand Tope!, Heinrich Schwiderke (Swiedarke), Otto Strichansner, Ida Topel, Martha Gandi and Maria Schwiderke. Brides name shown as Susanne E. Wensing on marriage index, groom as A. F. R. Kreschefski. In church records as Susanna Elisabeth Wensing and Albert Theodore Reinhold Kreschefski.

Susanne was born in Pensaukee, Wisconsin on 20 Sept. 1872. Also known as Elizabeth S. and Lizzie. Name as it appears in Christus Church records for marriage and on marriage certificate. Susanna was the daughter of Johann "John" Bernard WENSING and Marie "Mary" PLUCKER.

She married Edward I. KADOW on 23 Dec 1922, in Antigo, Wisconsin.

Second marriage confirmed by family stories of granddaughter Lois Kreshefske.
Susanna died 09 Oct. 1942 in Oconto, WI., at 70 years of age. Oconto VR, Vol. 15, pg. 17. Recorded as Susan Elizabeth Kadow age 70 years 19 days. Husband Edward Kadow. Cause of death heart attack, verified by Dr. Kwapy and Dr. H. Aageson. Buried in the Brookside Cemetery with her name on the same stone as Albert K. and Inscriptions & Notes, Wife of Edward Kadow Mother.
 

Antigo Daily Journal Monday, October 12, 1942

MRS. EDWARD KADOW
Mrs. Edward (Elizabeth) Kadow, former Langlade county resident, died Friday night at her home near Oconto, aged 70.

Funeral services will be held at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning in St. Joseph's church at Oconto and burial will be in Brookside cemetery.

Oconto County Reporter,  October 15, 1942.

Passing away at the age of 70, Mrs. Elizabeth Kadow succumbed last Friday morning at the Oconto hospital, where she had been taken due to complications which had set in at her home which for several years had been made with a daughter, Mrs. Fred Pope, of Pensaukee.

The body was removed to the Gagnon-Sheffield home and funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Joseph's church with the Rev. M. G. Alt officiating. Burial was in the Brookside cemetery.

The pallbearers at the funeral were Everett Pope, Eugene Scherer, Lloyd Wensing, Ed Swiedarke, Otto Topel, Jos. Topel.

The St. Joseph Altar society of which she was a member, recited the Rosary Monday evening
.
Page 5

The deceased was born Sept. 20, 1872, in Pensaukee and is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Fred Pope of Pensaukee; two sons, William Kreshefske, Kempter, Wis., Walter Kreshefske, Garden, Michigan, and four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Susanna, as Elizabeth S., is enumerated on the 1910 census age 37, widowed living on Main St., in Pensaukee. Occupation hotel keeper with the surname spelled Kreschefski. Living with her are daughter Anna M., age 19, sons, William A., age 17 occupation fisherman, net fishing and Walter W., age 13.

Elizabeth, as Elizabeth Topel, mother-in-law, is enumerated living with her daughter Anna, married to Fred Pope, in Green Bay on the 1920 census. The 1930 census, finds Elizabeth age 55, born WI., with her husband Edward I. Kadow living in township of Antigo, Langlade county. Edward is age 50, first married at age 28, born WI., father from Germany and mother from WI. His occupation is butcher, own shop.

Oconto Reporter
27 Apr. 1895

Albert Topel is building a large barn, 20x80, in connection with his hotel at Pensaukee.

It now appears that Albert also went by Topel as evidenced by the 1900 census. He is enumerated on 1900 census as Albert K. Topel, born Nov. 1864, in Germany. Married to Lizzie for 11 years, they had 4 children 3 living. They are Annie, age 9, born March 1891; William, age 5, born June 1893 and Walter, age 4 born July 1896 all born in WI.   Albert immigrated in 1880, occupation hotel keeper.

This fits the family of Albert Theodore Kreschefski, married to Susan Wensing as does the information of the children.

It is further proven that Albert was aka Albert Topel, Jr. as recorded in the baptizm record of his nephew Clifford Henry Albert Mealy, in 1905. Clifford son of his half-sister Mary married to John Mealy. Two of his sponsors are recorded as Albert Topel, Sr., which would be the grandfather, and Albert Topel, Jr., step-son Albert Kreschefski Topel. That is the only way you could have a Sr. & a Jr. His step father's death certificate, also records him as Albert Topel, Sr. The other Albert Topel's father is John therefore, no need to use Sr. and Jr. On the 1910 census he wife is enumerated as Kreschefski.

Albert and Susan took over the Pensaukee House originally built by her father, John Wensing, circa 1893.

Albert Theodore Reinhold KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL and Susanna Elizabeth "Lizzie" WENSING had the following children:

        11  i. Charles Fredrick Wilhelm 3 KRISCHEFSKI was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin, 21 March 1889. Baptized at Christus Lutheran Church, Pensaukee on April 22, 1889. Witnesses were Gustav Topel, Johann Topel, and Ida Topel. Carl died 11 August 1889 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at less than one year of age. Christus Lutheran church records shows buried 13 August 1889 in Brookside Cemetery on Albert & Wilhelmina Topel's plot. Stone reads Charles F. W. son of A.K. & E.S. Kershefski, died Aug.11,1889 aged 4 months 20 days.

12 ii.  Anna Elisabeth Wilhelmine KRESCHEFSKI was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 27 June 1890. Baptized 27 July 1890 Christus Lutheran church, Pensaukee. Sponsors were Wilhelmine Topel, Wilhelm Topel, Tillie Lubus. Confirmed on 6 November 1904. Recorded as Minnie on census records. Anna died 1972 at 82 years of age. Buried Brookside Cemetery, Sec. 4, Row 7. She married Fredrick W. "Fred" POPE in Menominee, Michigan on 25 June 1910. Menominee VR. Anna recorded as Anna Topel daughter of Albert Topel and Elizabeth Wensing of Pensaukee. Frederick listed as Fred son of John Pope and Bertha Tradle.

Fredrick W. was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 24 Feb. 1892. Fredrick was the son of Johann "John" G. POPE and Sophia "Bertha" TRADLE. Fredrick died July 1967 in Green Bay, WI.. at 75 years of age. S.S death records. Last residence, city of Oconto.

 Oconto County Reporter,
date unknown.

Fred W. Pope, 75, Pensaukee died Tuesday morning in a Green Bay hospital. He had been ill for two weeks since he entered the Hospital July 2. Death was the result of complications which developed after he underwent surgery.

He was born Feb. 24, 1892, at Pensaukee and lived in this county all his life. He was a son of the late John and Bertha Pope, Pensaukee pioneers. He was married to Anna Krischefski of Pensaukee June 27, 1910. (Marriage records read 25 July  from Menominee, Michigan.) He was a dredge operator for McMuIlen & Pitts, Inc., and for the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. for many years.

Surviving him are his wife, Anna; one daughter, Dorothy, Mrs. Eugene Scheier (Scherer) of Manitowoc; a brother, Albert Pope, Alberta, Canada; two sisters, Mrs. Clement Vince of Green Bay and Mrs. Albert Topel, Pensaukee; four grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Friends may call at the John Crooks funeral home, Oconto, from 2 p.m. today (Thursday) until 11 a.m. Friday, and after that at the First American Lutheran church in Oconto. Rev. Frederick Mai will officiate at the 2 p.m. funeral service Friday, and burial will be in Brookside cemetery.

Registered on 1916 for WW1 draft. He evidently was applying for a deferment. He lists his employer as oiler, working for Pittsburg Steamship living in township. Cleveland, Ohio. Closest relative wife and he has 3 children. He registered for the draft in Oconto.

Enumerated on the 1920 census living at 725 Linden St.. Green Bay, WI, Fred W., is age 27, Anna age 29. Their children are Dorothy N., age 6 and Everett L., age 5. They have living with them Elizabeth Topel, mother-in-law, age 47 widowed. Fred's occupation is labor, ice company.

On the 1930 census, Anna is enumerated as head of household living at 720 Clement Street, city of Antigo. She is recorded as married, with no occupation. Living with her are children Dorothy, age 17 and Everett, age 15.

        13  iii  William Albert Johann KRESCHEFSKI  AKA  TOPEL was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 14 June 1892. Baptized 24 July 1892 Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee. Sponsors were, Albert Topel, Albert Lubas, Maria Schwindecke. (Swiedarke)

As an adult know as William "Dick" Topel. William died 18 Dec. 1950 Antigo, WI., at 58 years of age. Source Langlade, VR, Vol. 13, pg. 489. Age at death 58. Obit appeared in the:

Antigo Daily Journal
Dec. 19, 1950.

William (Dick) Topel, 58, of route 2, Deerbrook, died at 6:30 p.m. yesterday at his home following a heart attack. He was born June 14, 1892, in Pensaukee, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Topel. This is what the paper states, but he was the son of Albert K. and Suzanne (Wensing) Kreschefski/Topel)
Topel moved to Antigo in 1920, and in 1925 moved to Kempster, where he operated the Long Lake resort. He was married on Nov. 13, 1926, at Waukegan to the former Barbara Sinclair Young. There were no children.

Survivors include his wife; one sister, Mrs. Anna Pope of Pensaukee: and one brother, Walter, of Pensaukee.

Funeral services will be held al 2:45 p.m. Thursday at the McCandless and Zobel funeral home. Interment will be in the mausoleum until spring, when the body will be buried at the Kempster cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from tomorrow night until the time of services. He married Barbara Sinclair YOUNG in Waukegan, Illinois, 13 Nov. 1926.

Barbara was born 04 Dec. 1883. Date from SS death index.

Barbara died 10 Mar. 1986 Langlade County, WI., at 102 years of age. Langlade VR., Vol. 31, pg. 109. Age at death 102. Last residence Antigo, Langlade County, WI. according to SS death index.

Obituary
Antingo Daily Journal
March 12, 1986.

Barbara Topel died Monday at Eastview Manor. She was 102 years old.

Born Dec. 4, 1883 in Kewaunee County, she was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sinkler. She married William "Dick" Topel in 1926. He preceded her in death in 1950.

The couple operated the Long Lake Bar in Kempster for many years. Survivors include nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the McCandless-Zobel and Bradley Funeral Home. Rev. Gene Krueger will officiate. Burial will be in Kempster Cemetery.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and Friday morning until the hour of services.

William was known as Uncle Dick to his nieces. Dick, according to family, owned and operated a tavern in Antigo, WI.

William has not been located on the 1920 census, but on the 1930 census he is enumerated in Peck Township, Langlade County, WI. William is age 39, born Wisconsin, of German parents. He married at age 36. to Barbara, who is age 40, born WI. of Austrian parents. They own a summer resort valued at $5,000. They have living with them a servant Betty Ryans, age 27 single.

14  iv.   Walter Wilhelm Johann KRESHEFSKE was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 06 Aug 1894. Baptized 09 Sept. 1894 Chrustis Lutheran church. Witnesses were, Johanne Lubbas, Carl Lubbas and Wilhelm Rosenfeld. Walter died 25 May 1972 in Manistique, Michigan, at 77 years of age. Buried in Evergreen cemetery in block 49. N-l/2 of lot 12. Name spelled Kresheske. The following obit provided by Ellis Mercier, paper unknown.

 WALTER KRESHEFSKE

Walter William Kreshefske, 77, Rt. 1, Garden, Mich., died Thursday in a Michigan hospital after a short illness. A veteran of World War I he was born Aug. 6, 1895, in Pensaukee, and moved to Garden, Mich. in 1937. Mr. Kreshefske married the former Louise Rusch, Dec. 13, 1919 in Oconto and was a commercial fisherman by trade. He was a member of the Congregational Church in Garden and a charter member of VFW Post 307) at Oconto.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Frank (Mary Elizabeth) Stohl, Constantine, Mich.; Mrs. Myles (Louise) Leonard, Escanaba, Mich.; one niece, Mrs. Eugene Scherer, Manitowoc; four grandchildren.

At Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, after 4 p.m. Saturday. Funeral 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial in Evergreen Cemetery. He married Louisa Wilhelmina RUSCH in Oconto, WI., 13 Dec. 1919.

Louise was born Oconto Co., WI. 21 Feb. 1892. Louise was the daughter of Charles RUSCH and Catherine EICHMAN. Louise died 02 May 1983 at 91 years of age.Louise is buried in Evergreen cemetery, same lot as husband. Walter, registered, using his full name of Walter Wilhelm John Kreshefske for the draft for WW I on June 5, 1917 at Oconto. His occupation was fishing and his next of kin was his mother. He is described as short, blue eyed with light colored hair.

Walter is enumerated on the 1930 census, surname indexed as Kreshefske, as a fisherman living in village of Pensaukee. He was married to Louisa, and their children were Robert, Mary and Lois. Still owned land on 1937 assessor's plat map on what is now Fish House Road. Assessed under the name Kreshefske.

3. Ferdinand E. KRISCHEFSKI AKA (Wilhelmina1 DICKS) was born in Germany 15 Oct. 1867. Known as Cap. Ferdinand died  06 Nov. 1945 Pensaukee, Oconto County, WI., at 78 years of age. Oconto VR, Vol. 15, pg. 660. His father is shown as Albert Topel and Wilhelmina Topel. Cause of death heart disease. Occupation listed as fisherman. Obit clipping from Ellis Mercier no paper or date probably Oconto County Reporter or Green Bay Press Gazette.

Funeral services will be held at the Gallagher funeral home Friday afternoon at two o'clock for Captain Ferdinand Topel, 78, Pensaukee, who died in Oconto Tuesday morning.

The deceased was born Oct. 15, 1867 in Germany, and came to the United States at the age of 12. He operated a steam fishing tug on the Great Lakes, and before coming to Pensaukee several years ago to engage in commercial fishing was harbor master at the Green Bay port. He was a member of the Tugman's association.

Rev. C. E. Lease, pastor of the Union of Christian Friends, will officiate at the funeral service. Burial will be in the Brookside cemetery. Mr. Topel is survived by wife, Nell; two daughters, Mrs. Ed. Mercier, Green Bay, and Mrs. George Windross, Pensaukee; three sons, Fred and Howard, Pensaukee, and Elmer of Menomonee Falls; one brother, Otto of Pensaukee; two sisters, Mrs. Henry Swiedarke, Oconto, and Mrs. Mary Mealy, Pensaukee, and 13 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

DIED TUESDAY 9:30 A.M. NOV. 6, 1945 FUNERAL FRIDAY 2 P.M. NOV. 9, 1945
(this was handwritten on top of following article, and was provided by Ellis Mercier)
FORMER CAPTAIN OF HARBOR TUG PASSES AT PENSAUKEE HOME

Death of Capt. Fred Topel, 78, well known among Great Lakes mariners as a former harbor captain here, was reported at his home in Pensaukee Tuesday.

Although he retired here in 1933, when he was succeeded as harbor captain by Capt. Glen Bergerson, Topel still was regarded as one of the most capable as well as colorfiil and popular harbor officials among his former associates. Since retiring here he had been doing some commercial fishing out of Pensaukee.

Born in Germany Oct. 15, 1867, Topel came to this country when he was 12 years old. Among the tugs he piloted were the L. T. Brogan, the Saugatuck, the L. D. Smitg and the Peter Reiss, all noted vessels.

Capt. Bergerson, Topel's successor, recalled how in the "old days a tug captain usually worked 36 hours out of every 48." Capt. Topel, besides piloting vessels into the harbor, had occasion to bring a considerable amount of pulpwood into the port, the logs being made up into rafts and towed by tugs.

Besides his wife, Nell, Capt. Topel is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ed. Mercier, Green Bay, and Mrs. G. Winters (Windross), Pensaukee; three sons, Fred and Howard, of Pensaukee; and Elmer, Menominee Falls; a brother, Otto, Pensaukee; two sisters, Mrs. Henry Swiedarke and Mrs. Mary Mealy, 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The body is at the Gallagher Funeral home, Oconto, where the Rev. C. E. Lease will conduct final rites at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon. Burial will be in Brookside cemetery.

He married Nell E. LIVERMORE Pensaukee, Wisconsin, 10 Apr. 1893. Oconto VR Vol. 4, pg. 137. Married at Evangelical Lutheran Church by Rev. Eisenbach. Witnesses were, Christian Krischefski and Eva Livermore. Ferdinand's surname spelled Krischefski on marriage record. Ferdinand recorded as born in Windikow, Pomerania, Germany.

Nell was born in Oak Orchard, Oconto Co., WI., 29 Nov. 1872. Twin of Delbert. Nell was the daughter of Randall G. LIVERMORE and Marjorie A CORDES.

Nell died 15 Mar. 1956 in Oconto, WI., at 83 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol 20, pg. 379. Informant Mrs. George Windross. Cause of death cerebral thrombosis.

Obituary
March 1956
Green Bay Press Gazette.
Hand written on top of article is March 12, 1956 (received from Ellis Mercer).

OCONTO, WIS- Mrs. Nell Topel, 83, of Pensaukee, died at midnight Wednesday at the Oconto Convalescent Home. She had been ill for 3 1/2 years.

The former Nell Livermore, she was born at Pensaukee, Nov. 29, 1872 and was a lifelong resident of the community. Her husband, Fred, died in 1946.

Friends may call at the Gallagher Funeral Home Friday afternoon. The last rites will be conducted there at 2 p.m. Saturday by the Rev. Justin Torgrimson, and burial will be in Brookside Cemetery.

Mrs. Topel is survived by two daughters, Mrs. George Windross, Pensaukee, and Mrs. Ed. Mercier, Green Bay; two sons, Fred and Howard, Pensaukee; three brothers, Howard and Herb Livermore, Pensaukee, and Charles, Green Bay; two sisters, Mrs, Ed Seger, Rapid River, Mich., and Mrs. Pink Laduron, Brookside; 13 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Green Bay Press Gazette

OCONTO, Wis. Funeral rites for Mrs. Nell Topel, 83, were conducted by the Rev. Justin Torgrimson Saturday afternoon at the Gallagher Funeral Home. Mrs. Topel, lifelong resident of Pensaukee, died at a convalescent home here Wednesday.

Pallbearers were Russell and Fred Topel, Beryl Windross, Delbert Livermore, Eugene and Ellis Mercier. Burial was in the Brookside Cemetery.

Fred and Nell Livermore were married with his surname as Krischefski. All children baptized as Krischefski and confirmed with the last name Topel in Christus Lutheran church records in Pensaukee. Evidently he changed to Topel after 1902 when his youngest children was baptized and before the 1910 census.

Ferdinand & Otto both married to Livermore's are half-brothers.

He was known as Cap Topel, a tug boat captain on Green Bay and lake Michigan.

Enumerated on the 1900 census in town of Pensaukee, as Ferdinand Topel. Ferdinand is age 32, married for seven years to Nell who is age 27. Ferdinand immigrated 1881 from Germany and his occupation is fisherman. They have had 4 children, 3 living. They are Fred, born Mar. 1895; Elmer born Mar. 1897 and Mildred born Sept. 1898.

On 1910 census they are living on Connection Road, next to his parents and enumerated under surname Topel. His occupation is Captain, steam boat. He is age 42, married 11 years to Nell S., with a first marriage for both. The children are Frederick R., age 15, Elmer F., age 13; Mildred V., age 12; Gladys M. 10 and Howard L. age 9.

The 1920 census enumerates the family in town of Pensaukee. The children at home are now Fred R., age 25; Elmer E., 23; Mildred V., 21; Gladys M. 19 and Howard L, age 18.

Ferdinand E. KRISCHEFSKI AKA and Nell E. LIVERMORE had the following children:

            15 i.  Esther Ruth3 KRESCHEFSKI-TOPEL was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 14 Jan 1894. Recorded as Krischefski. Baptized 25 Feb. 1894. Sponsors, Elsie Krischefski, Heinrich Schwiderke and Mattie Winters. Buried from Christus Lutheran church on 29 March 1894. Esther died 27 May 1894 in Pensaukee, Oconto County, Wl., at less than one year of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 3, pg. 96, may be page 29. Recorded as Esther Ruth Kuschcfike on death certificate. Cause of death spasm. Infromation from Christus church records. Buried in Brookside cemetery.

            16 ii.   Fred "Joe" Rheinhart TOPEL was born Pensaukee, Oconto County, WI., March 30, 1895. He was known as Joe.  He was baptized as Freddie Rheinhart Kreschefsky. Recorded in Christus Lutheran church records, 1877 to 1929. Baptized on 16 July 1895. Sponsors were, Albert Topel, Albert Lubbos and Frau Lettie Krischefsky. Fred died October 20, 1965 in Iron Mountain, Michigan, at 70 years of age. Obituary appeared in the;

Oconto County Reporter
October 1965.

PENSAUKEE- Fred Topel 70, Pensaukee, died Wednesday evening the the Veteran Hospital in Iron Mountain, Mich., following a one-year illness. He was born March 30,1895, at Pensaukee and was a lifetime resident. Mr. Topel was self-employed as a commercial fisherman. He married the former Ida Ziesmer. May of 1922, she preceded him in death, March 17, 1964. He was a member of the V.F.W. and the Oconto American Legion Post. He served the the Navy during World War I.

Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Steve Lipp, Pensaukee; Mrs. William Ernst, Oconto, Mrs. Ronald Hyland, Green Bay; Mrs. Jack DonLevy, Oak Orchard; one son, Frederick, Pensaukee, 21 grand children; one brother, Howard, Pensaukee; two sisters Mrs. Ed Mercier Green Bay; Mrs. George Windross Oak Orchard.

At Gallagher Funeral Home, Oconto, after 2 p.m. Friday. Funeral 3 p.m. Saturday, funeral home, with the Rev. Leonard Domke officiating. Burial in Brookside Cemetery, Military graveside rites. He married Ida Ernstine Pauline ZIESMER
Oconto, Wisconsin, May 2, 1923.

Oconto Falls Herald
May 3, 1923

Miss Ida Zeismer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zeismer, Pensaukee, and Mr. Fred R. Topel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Topel, also of Pensaukee, were quietly married at the Lutheran parsonage here Wednesday afternoon.

Ida was born Pensaukee, Oconto County, WI. August 01, 1904. Baptized on 2 Oct. 1904 Christus Lutheran church, Pensaukee. Sponsors were, Frau Enerstine Lambreckt, Frau Paulina Jahnke, Frederick Ristow. Ida was the daughter of Karl Charles August ZIESMER and Elizabeth Karoline Marie JAHNKE.

Ida died March 17, 1964 Pensaukee, Wisconsin, at 59 years of age. Ida developed alzheimers at an early age and spent her last years of her life in a home. Before she died the disease had progressed to the point were she knew no one and did not talk. The following obituary appeared in the:

Oconto Reporter

Mrs. Fred Topel 59, Pensaukee died early Tuesday morning at Marinette County hospital. She had been ill for several years.

The former Ida Ziesmer was born in Pensaukee, August 1, 1904. She was married to Mr. Topel. May 2, 1923 in Oconto, and they made their home in Pensaukee. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and Missionary society and of the Ladies Auxiliary to Lester J. Crane Post No. 3671 Veterans of Foreign Wars until her illness.

The body was taken to the Gallagher Funeral home where it remained until Friday morning when it was taken to the First American Lutheran church to lie in state until time of services. Members of Lester J. Crane auxiliary No. 3071, Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct memorial services this (Thursday) evening at 7 o'clock. The Reverend Leonard Domke will officiate at funeral rites Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial will be in Brookside cemetery.

Survivors beside her husband are her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Ziesmer, Pensaukee; four daughters, Mrs. Steve Lipp of Pensaukee, Mrs. William Ernst of Menominee, Mich., Mrs. Ronald Hyland of Green Bay, and Mrs. Jack DonLevy of Oak Orchard; one son, Frederick of Pensaukee; four brothers, Carl Ziesmer of Oconto, Raymond of Pensaukee and Arnold and Herbert of Milwaukee; two sisters; Mrs. Gladys Werth of Milwaukee, and Mrs. Emma Hundt of DePere. There are 20 grandchildren.

One son, Byron, preceded her in death in November 1963. Joe served in the Navy during World War I.

        17 iii.   Elmer Ferdinand TOPEL was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin, 09 Mar 1897. Known as "Budge". Baptized at Christus Lutheran church on 24 October 1897. Witnesses were, Johann Topel, Frau Wilhemina Topel and John Johnson. Elmer died 15 May 1947, in Milwaukee, WI., at 50 years of age.

Menomonee Falls News,
May 22, 1947.

The sudden, unexpected death of Elmer F. Topel, on Thursday, May 15, saddened his family and friends here this past week. His death resulted from a sudden heart attack while at his work as postal clerk in Milwaukee. He died shortly after reaching the Milwaukee Emergency Hospital. The Topels came to Menomonee Falls nine years ago. Mr. Topel was employed in the Milwaukee post office for twenty-four years. He was fifty years old.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (nee Kregel); one son Kenley; his mother, Mrs. Nell Topel; 2 sisters, Mrs. Mildred Mercier, Green Bay; Mrs. Gladys Windross; 2 brothers, Fred and Howard, Pensaukee.

Funeral rites were held Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Oconto with burial at Brookside cemetery, town of Pensaukee. He married Evelyn KREGEL.

18 iv.   Mildred Viola "Sis" TOPEL was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin on 23 Sept 1898.  Baptized Sept. 23,1898 as Mildred Krischefski.  Sponsors were, Mrs. Annie Livermore, Mrs. Lettie Krischefski and Albert Krischefski. Mildred died 1990 at 91 years of age. Both buried Brookside Cemetery. They have 3 children buried in the same grave site. She married Edward J. MERCIER on 15 Oct. l921, in Escanaba, Michigan.  Edward was born 02 Feb. 1897. Edward was the son of Frank MERCIER and Mary Louise JUNEAU. Edward died 01 Mar. 1994 in Green Bay, WI., at 97 years of age. Obituary from Ellis Mercier. No paper name or dates. I'm sure this is from

Green Bay Press Gazette.

Survivors include two sons and three daughters-in-law, Ellis and Audrey Mercier, Oconto Falls; Donald and Kay Mercier. Green Bay; Mrs. Eugene (Marcella "Sally") Mercier, Green Bay; ten grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law. William and Laura Mercier Sr., St. Jaques, Mich.; a sister, Mrs. Lou (Lillian) Geelan, Calgary, Canada; two sister-in-law, Mrs. Alan (Rose) Mercier, Nahma. Mich.; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred; one son Eugene; two infant daughters, Bonnie and Darla; seven brothers; four sisters.

Friends may call at Trinity Lutheran Church, 330 S. Broadway, from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday. Funeral 4 p.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. William O. Lawson officiating. Burial in Brookside Cemetery.

        19 v.   Gladys Marie TOPEL was bom Pensaukee, Oconto County, WI., 10 Nov. 1900.

Baptised with last name Krischefski on October 26, 1902. Sponsors were, Mrs. Inga Krischefski, Miss Martha Schuenke, and Mr. Carl Lubas at Christus Lutheran Church, Pensaukee.

The birthdate of Gladys is from daughter Carol. Gladys died 11 Sept. 1970, in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at 69 years of age. Obit appeared in the:

Oconto County Reporter
17 Sept. 1970

Mrs. George Windross, 69, Rl-Little Suamico died at Oconto Memorial hospital September 11 after a long illness.

She was born November 10, 1900 at  Pensaukee and was a lifetime resident of Oconto County. The former Gladys Topel married George (Judge) Windross, December 31,1932 at Oconto. She was a member of First American Lutheran church in Oconto.

Survivors include her husband: two daughters, Mrs. Neal (Nona) Eichman and Mrs. Vernon (Carol) Zoeller, both of Rl-Little Suamico; and one son, Beryl of Green Bay; one brother Howard Topel of Pensaukee, one sister, Mrs. Edward Mercier of Green Bay and eight grandchildren, Two brothers proceeded her in death.

Funeral services were held Monday, September 14, at the First American Lutheran church, Oconto, with the Rev. Frederick Mai officiating. Burial was at the Brookside cemetery.

She married George E. WINDROSS in Oconto County, Wisconsin, 12/31/1932. Oconto VR, Vol. 8, pg. 782.

Oconto County Reporter article.

At 9 o'clock New Years's Eve at Rev. H. Eisenbach's parsonage Miss Gladys Topel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Capt. Topel, Pensaukee, became the bride of George Windross, also of Pensaukee. Miss Agnes Bucholtz of Underhill and Ole Johnson of Pensaukee were the attendants.

The bride wore a gown of wine colored crepe with hat to match. The young couple will reside in Oak Orchard, where the groom is engaged in tanning and fishing. Mrs. Windross has been employed for six years at the Parker Hotel, doing dining room work.

George was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin on 08 May 1904. Name on birth certificate Eugene George, Oconto VR,, Vol. 5, pg. 7. Known as Judge. George was the son of George E. WINDROSS (Sr.) and Adela "Uiea" RICHER.

He married Sarah Marie NOEL in Oconto County, Wisconsin, on 28 Sept. 1972. George died 24 June 1981 in Oconto, WI., at 77 years of age. Buried Brookside cemetery. Last residence city Oconto according to SS death index.

        20  vi. Howard Lake "Johnny" TOPEL was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 08 Dec. 1901. Baptized Christus Lutheran Church on October 26, 1902. Sponsors were, Mr. William Krischefski, Mr. Albert Topel, and Mrs. J. B. Wensing.

John never married. Howard died 11 Jan. 1978 in Town of Pensaukee, Oconto Co., WI., at 76 years of age. Oconto VR, Vol. 34, pg. 277. SS death index. Informant Mrs. Edward Mercier, 969 Howard St. Green Bay, WI. Howard was a commercial fisherman residing on Route 2, Oconto. He had served in the armed forces. Cause of death heart attack. Obituary appeared in the;

Oconto County Reporter
Wednesday, January 18, 1978

Howard (Johnny) Topel, 76, Pensaukee, died Wednesday after a short illness.

He was born Dec. 8, 1901 in Pensaukee to the late Ferdinand and Nell Topel, and was a lifetime resident of the area. He worked on tug boats out of Green Bay for 20 years, and was also a commercial fisherman. He was a veteran of World War II.

Survivors are one sister, Mrs. Edward Mercier of Green Bay, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were held at the Gallagher-Pinkart funeral home Saturday afternoon, the Reverend Harold Aasland officiating. Burial was in Brookside cemetery.

4. August Ferdinand Carl2 KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL (Wilhelmina1 DICKS) was born Wundichow, Pommern, Germany 03 August 1869. Date of birth and place from death record, Christus Lutheran Church. Confirmed as August Ferdinand Carl Topel on 02 April 1885, Christus Lutheran church records, birth shown as 03 Aug. 1869. August died 28 January 1916 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at 46 years of age. Oconto VR. His parents recorded as Martin Krischefski and Wilhelmina. Chrustis Lutheran Church record, died at age 45, 5 months, 21 days.  Buried 30 January 1916, Brookside cemetery. Obituary  appeared in the,

Marinette Eagle Star
Jan, 29, 1916,
Oconto Section, Saturday, on page 5.

Oconto Jan. 28-August Topel a resident of Oconto over ten years and well known as a fisherman, past away this morning at 4 o'clock after an Illness of several weeks.
The cause of the death is given as complications of pneumonia. Mr. Topel was born in Germany 1870, coming with his father and mother to Pensaukee in 1880. He resided in that place until 1905 when he moved to this city with his family. He was an active fisherman and well known in this line of business.

He is survived by his wife and five sons, namely George of Fond du Lac and Frank, Earl, Norman and Clyde of this city. Services will be held Monday afternoon from the German Lutheran church. The Rev. H. Eisenbach officiating. Burial arrangements are as of yet not fully complete it will be either at Brookside or here.

The deceased's mother and father of Pensaukee and son George Topel of Fond du Lac have arrived for the funeral.

He married Letitia Eliza "Lettie" PERKINS Oconto Co., WI., on  26 Dec. 1888. Oconto marriage index as A. F. K. Kreschefski.  Letitia was born on 31 Mar. 1971 in London, England.

Enumerated on 1900 census August is age 28, born Aug. 1871, this does not match with date on death certificate, in Germany; with wife Eliza, born England, living in Pensaukee. Married 10 years, both immigrated 1889, occupation sailor.   They have had 4 children 3 living. Children are Frank born Nov. 1891, George, born Aug. 1892 and Earl, born July 1897 all born Wisconsin. They are enumberated next to his sister Ida married to Henry Schwiderke.

Oconto County Reporter
May 7, 1908

When August Topel was brought before Justice Don Levy, Monday on a charge of fishing with nets in Green Bay waters last month he was discharged on motion of Attorney Gill acting for the district attorney and prompting rearrested on the same charge and taken before Justice Jones who continued the case for ten days.

Final disposition of this case has not been located at this time.

August Topel, age 41 located on 1910 census in north ward of city of Oconto. His occupation is fisherman, on the bay. Wife Lettie is age 39, and they have been married for 20 years, had 7 children 5 living. Living with them is Earl 12, Norman 9 and Clyde 4. Son George is living with his brother Otto Krischefski and his wife Hazel, where he is enumerated as nephew on 1910 census.

August Ferdinand Carl KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL and Letitia "Lottie" PERKINS had the following children:

        21  i.   Franz "Frank" Heinrich3 KRISCHEFSKI-TOPEL was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 17 Nov. 1890. Baptized Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee on Dec. 25, 1890. Sponsors were, Fredinand Kreschefski, August Baumgartner, Heinrich Schwiderke. Confirmed as Frank Henry Krischefsky on 6 Nov. 1904. He married Elsia BARTELS in Oconto, WI., 15 Apr. 1914. Oconto VR., Vol. 5, pg. 903.  1st marriage for both, Frank is age 23, occupation sailor. Elsie is age 22, working at home. They were married by Rev. Schultz of Oconto.

Elsie was born 23 Feb.1891. Elsie was the daughter of Ferdinand BARTELS. Frank age 29, born WI. of German father, English mother; is enumerated on the 1910
census living in Kenosha with his mother-in-law May Bartel, laborer in lamp factory. His occupation is millwright in lamp factory. Wife Elsie is age 27 and they have 2 children, daughter Inez, age 4 yr. 4 mo and son Layton 2 yrs. 1 mo. They were enumerated in Jan. 1920.

Enumerated on the 1930 census in Pleasant Prairie township of Kenosha county as Topel. Frank is age 39, married at age 23 to Elsie who was age 22 and now 38. Frank's occupation is now pattern maker at a brass foundry. The have 3 children Inez, age 14; Layton, 12 and Delbert age 9. The are living at 2011 65(7) St, City of Kenosha. They own their home worth $3,000.

       22   ii.   George August KRISCHEFSKI was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin on 25 Aug. 1892. Baptized 18 Sept. 1892 Christus Lutheran church, Pensaukee. Witnesses were, August Lubus, Albert Krischefski and Frau Wilhelmine Topel. George died 28 Oct. 1963 in Kenosha Memorial Hospital, Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was cremated.
Kenosha News Tuesday, October 29, 1963 page 10
OBIT
                                    Long illness claims George A. Topel, 71
   George A. Topel, 71, a retired Simmons Co., employee and resident of the K.Y.F., died at Kenosha Memorial hospital Monday night following a long illness. (Oct. 28, 1963)

   He was born in Pensaukee, Wis., on Aug. 25, 1892, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. August Topel.  He spent his early life and attended school in Oconto, Wis., and came to Kenosha to make his home in 1918.  He had been employed by the Simmons Co. for 38 years prior to his retirement several years ago.

   Survivors are two brothers, Frank H. and Norman R. Topel, both of Kenosha.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde L. Topel on Dec. 15, 1951, and Earl C. Topel on Oct. 26, 1963.

        23  iii.   Reuben Douglas Albert KRISCHEFSKI was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 10 June 1894. Baptised 29 July 1894 Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee. Witnesses were, Albert Topel, Gustave Topel, and Frau Albertine Topel. Reuben died 18 Nov. 1894 in Oconto County, Wisconsin, at less than one year of age. Christus Lutheran Church records read, buried 20 Nov. 1894 at Brookside cemetery.

        24  iv.   Earl Clarence Douglas KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin on 20 July 1897. Baptized 24 October 1897 at Christus Lutheran church. Sponsors were, Wilhelm Topel, Jacob Olsen, Frau Ida Schwinderke, Mammie Longrie and J. B. Wensing. He married Marie A. TUCARY. (Note- The Christus Church records say July 20, 1897 was his birth date, but his obit says his birth date is July 10, 1896.)

Kenosha News Monday, October 28, 1963
OBIT
                                                  Earl C. Topel, Veteran Car Dealer, Dies

   Earl C. Topel, 65, an automobile dealer here for 42 years, died at Johnston Municipal Hospital, Milwaukee, Saturday night following a heart attack.

   He was taken to the hospital after suffering the attack at a Kinnickinnic Ave. filling station.  He had been on his way to Kenosha after having dinner in Milwaukee and suffered the fatal attack while stopping for gasoline.

   He was born in Pensaukee, Wis., on July 10, 1896, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. August Topel.  He spent his early life in Oconto, Wis., and attended school there.  He came to Kenosha to make his home in 1916.

   He was employed by the Simmons. Co. for a time, and later opened an auto repair garage.  From 1921 until 1936 he had the dealership for the Oldsmobile here.  In 1938 he became the Nash Motors dealer and also distributor for the southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois area.  He later established Topel Rambler Sales, Inc. 1020 60th St., with his three sons.  He was president of the dealership until his death.

    He was a member of St. James church, the Elks lodge, the National Automobile Dealers Association, and the Kenosha Chamber of Commerce.

    Survivors are three sons, Harold C., Orville A. and Clarence M. Topel all of Kenosha; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.  He is also survived by three brothers, Frank H., George and Norman R. Topel, all of Kenosha.  He was preceded in death by one son, Simon W. Topel, on March 20, 1953, and by one brother, Clyde L. Topel on Dec. 15, 1951.

Enumerated on 1920 census in Kenosha, WT. as Topel. Earl is age 22. born WI. of German father and English mother. He is married to Marie, 22, born WI., of Irish father, mother born WI. They have 3 sons, Harold 4 yrs 4 mo. Orvile, 3 yr. 3 mo. and Clarence one year 4 mo. They were enumerated on 13 Jan. 1920. Earl's occupation is carpenter, possibly in cabinet shop.

        25  v. Eldred "Norman" Robert KRISCHEFSKI was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin on 09 Sept. 1900.  Baptized 09 Dec. 1900 Christus Lutheran church, Pensaukee. Witnesses were,  Mary Topel, Mrs. Lizzie Krischefsky, Paul Tiegs, Owen Parley and George Dagen. Known as Norman.
Enumerated as Norman R. Topel age 29, father born Germany mother England, enumerated in sixth ward, city of Kenosha on the 1930 census. He is renting at at 5038 Seventh Avenue. He was married at age 22 to Agnes who was age 20, born Michigan and now age 27. His occupation is lath hand, at bed factory. They have no children.

Not found on 1930 census.

        26  vi,   Clyde Leroy KRISCHEFSKI was born 05 Jan 1906 in Pensaukee, Oconto Co., WI.  Died 15 Dec 1951 in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Kenosha News
OBIT
                                       Clyde Leroy Topel Dies of Heart Attack

   Clyde Leroy Topel, 45, 6626 Sheridan Road, died early this morning following a heart attack.  He was born in Oconto, Wis., Jan 5, 1906, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. August Topel.  He came to Kenosha in 1916, and finished his education here.  On Feb. 3, 1935, he married Miss Agnes Leininger.  He had been associated with the Topel Nash company for many years.

   Besides his widow, he is survived by one daughter, Audrey, and four brothers, Frank, George, Earl and Norman, all of Kenosha.  Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 17th at 1:30 p.m. from the Hansen Funeral Home.  Interment following in, Green Ridge cemetery.  Friends may call at the funeral home after noon on Sunday.

5. Wilhelm "William"2 KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL (Wilhelmma1 DICKS) was born in Germany 28 Jan. 1872. Wilhelm died 07 Mar. 1922 in Marinette, Wisconsin, at 50 years of age. Marinette VR., book 12, pg. 3786. Wife Inga ABRAHAMSON. Death certificate indicates mother as Wilhelmina, no last name, father not listed. Died at M & M hospital. Obituary appeared in the;

Marinette Eagle Star,
March 8, 1922.

William Topel, 50 years old, a resident of Peshtigo Harbor, died late Tuesday afternoon in the M & M hospital following an operation for tumor. He was born in German and removed to Harbor from Pensaukee twenty years ago.

The survivors are the widow, daughter, Mrs. W. H. Topel and living, parents, brothers, Otto and Ferdinand of Pensaukee and Mrs. Henry Schwierthke of Oconto.

The body was removed to L. D. Martin's and the funeral, will be held Saturday at 2 o'clock from the Norwegian church.

Marinette Eagle Star
March 13, 1922 Monday page 2

                           Hold Obsequies Here on Saturday Afternoon

The funeral of William Topel, late of Peshtigo Harbor, who died in the local hospital, was held here Saturday afternoon. The cortege formed at the Art Rettke residence, Carney avenue, to which place the body was taken on Friday from L. D. Martins and went to the Norwegian Lutheran church. The Rev. M. B. Michaelsen officiated, the services being conducted in the English language.

Ernest Bowman sang two solos at the church. Many friends from Peshtigo Point were in the city for the funeral and there were many beautiful flowers which were in charge of Mrs. Holmes, Mrs. Osterberg, the Misses Palma Benson, Edna Johnson and Jenaine Peterson. The body bearers were Charles Johnson, Emil Bruman, William Johnson, Bert Benson, William Nimmergood and Edward Johnson.

Burial was made in Forest Home cemetery at the side of a son, Dewey Topel, who died four years ago.

Among the people from other places who came for the funeral were; Mr. and Mrs. Topel, parents of the decedent, Pensaukee; Capt. and Mrs. F. Topel, Mr. and Mrs. John Mealy, all of Pensaukee; Henry Schweraske (this should read Swiedarke) and wife, Oconto; Otto Topel, Pensaukee; William Topel, Milwaukee; Miss Jensine Peterson, Oconto Falls, and Mrs. Bird Darling of Pulcifer, Wis.

He married Inga ABRAHAMSON. Inga was born Norway on 05 Aug 1871.  Inga died 18 Sept. 1955 in Marinette, Wisconsin, at 84 years of age. Died at Marinette General Hospital. Informant Irving Topel. Her obituary appeared in the,

Marinette Eagle Star
Sept. 19, 1955.

Mrs. Inga Topel, 84, widow of William Topel, died Sunday at 8:50 a.m., at Marinette General hospital where she had been a patient for a week. She had been residing at the Luther Home for two years.

Mrs. Topel was born in Norway Aug. 5, 1871 and has resided in Marinette for 55 years. Surviving re one son, Ervin Topel; one daughter; Mrs. William Topel, both of this city; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

The Rev. George Knudson of Our Savior's Lutheran church will conduct services Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Lein Funeral Home. Burial will be in Forest Home cemetery.

Inga, enumerated living with her son-in-law William R and Nora Topel, on 1930 census.

William G. Topel, age 47, born Germany immigrated 1881; is enumerated on the 1920 Marinette census, in Peshtigo, with his wife Inga age 48, born Norway, father born Norway mother Sweden, immigrated 1871. Also living with them is Ervin D. age 23, their son, born WI. parents born Germany, boarder, and head of his own household, which consists of wife, Marie age 19, enumerated as daughter with daughter, Gladys 6 mo.. The men's occupations are all fishing.

Wilhelm "William" KRISCHEFSKI AKA TOPEL and Inga ABRAHAMSON had the following children:

        27 i.   Nora Hazel Ruth3 KRISCHEFSKI was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 11 Oct. 1894. Baptized at Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee on 15 Dec. 1894. Sponsors were, Frau Wilhelmina Topel, August Krischefsky, Mrs. Mary Moe. Nora died 25 Mar. 1965 in Peshtigo, Marinette Co., WI., at 70 years of age. Marinette VR., Book 38, page 59. died at Pel-Bar Nursing Home. Obituary appeared in the,

Marinette Eagle Star
26 Mar. 1965.

Mrs. William H. Topel, 70 of 1319 Eight St., Marinette, died Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Pel-Bar Convalescent Home at Peshtigo. She had been ill four years.

The former Nora Krischefsky was born Oct. 11, 1894 at Pensaukee. She moved to Peshtigo Harbor as a child and attended school there. She was married to Mr. Topel, Feb. 5, 1914. They move to Marinette in 1922 and had lived here since. The couple celebrated their golden wedding in 1964. She was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church and of the Women of the Church.

Surviving with her husband are a son Lloyd Topel; a daughter, Mrs. Edwin R. Zander; and a brother, Ervin, of Marinette; and five grandchildren. A son, Milton, died in 1947.

The Rev. George Knudson of Our Savior's Church will conduct the 2 p.m. service Sunday in the Zeitler Mineral home where friends may call after 4 p.m. Saturday.

Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery.

She married Wilhelm Herman TOPEL Menominee, Michigan, 05 Feb. 1914. Menominee VR.. Book D, page 239. Williams residence Pensaukee, Nora's Peshtigo. They were married by John E. Jones, Justice of Peace.

Wilhelm was born in Pensaukee, Oconto County, Wisconsin 13 January 1890. Baptized 9 March 1890 Christus Lutheran church, Pensaukee. Sponsors were, Frank Meincke, Martha Papke, and Johann Warschkow. Wilhelm was the son of Johann W. "John" TOPEL and Albertine "Anna" BASSKE.

Wilhelm died 01 Sept. 1975 in Marinette, Wisconsin, at 85 years of age. Marinette VR, Book 47, page 194. Informant Mrs. Lloyd Topel, 1388 Merryman St., Marinette, WI. SS death index. Last residence Marinette, WI. Obituary appeared in the;

Marinette Eagle Star
Tuesday September 2, 1975

William H. Topel, 85 of 1319 Eight St., Marinette, died at his home Monday.
Mr. Topel was born Jan. 12, 1890 at Pensaukee and married the former Nora Krischefsky on Feb. 5, 1914 in Menominee. She died March 25, 1965.

Mr. Topel was a former deputy sheriff in Marinette County, serving under the late Otto C. Topel. He was also a self-employed commercial fisherman, retiring in 1955. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church of Marinette.

Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Edwin R. Zander of Marinette, a son, Lloyd D. of Marinette; two sisters, Mrs. Arthur Gering of Oconto and Mrs. Walter Beyers of Marinette, a brother, Albert Topel of Pensaukee; five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. A son, Milton, died in 1947 and a sister Mrs. Tillie Zutter, also preceded him in death."

Burial was in Forest Home Cemetery.

William, age 29 born Wis. of German parents; is listed in Peshtigo, Marinette County on the 1920 census, with wife Nora and children Milton J. age 5 and Lloyd D. age 3 years and 4 mo. Living next to him is a William G. Topel, age 47, born Germany immigrated 1881; with his wife Inga age 48 his in-laws.

The 1930 census enumerates the family in Marinette, living at 1139 Logan Ave. William is age 39, Nora age 35, their children are now Milton, age 15: Lloyd, age 13, Betty Jane age. 5 and they have mother-in-law Inga, age 58, widowed living with them. Williams occupation is fisherman.

Page 18

        28 ii.   Ervin Douglas TOPEL was born in Pensaukee, Oconto Co., Wisconsin 15 Dec. 1896. Ervin died 26 Sept. 1972 in Peshtigo, Wisconsin, at 75 years of age. Marinette VR., Book 44, pg. 398. Informant Ervin W. Topel, Rt. 1, box 243, Marinette. WI. Both buried Forest Home Cemetery.  Obit appeared in the,

Marinette Eagle Star
Sept. 27, 1972.

Funeral services for Ervin D. Topel, 75, Marinette resident who died Tuesday morning, will be held Friday, at 2 p.m. at Thielen funeral home, Marinette.

The Rev. Waldemar Framstad will officiate and burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Marinette.

Friend may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m, Thursday and until the funeral hour Friday.

Mr. Topel was born in Pensaukee on Dec. 15, 1896. He moved to the Peshtigo Harbor area with his family as an infant. In 1920, he moved to his present address on Shore Drive, Marinette.

A veteran of World War I, Mr. Topel was a 50-year member of Marinette Legion Post. He was self-employed as a commercial fisherman all of his life. On Oct. 21, 1918 he married the former Marie Burns. She died in 1963. Survivors include a son Ervin W. Topel of Marinette and two grandchildren.

He married Marie BURNS 21 Oct. 1918.

Marie was born 03 Aug. 1900. Marie was the daughter of Antone BURNS and Mary CANTER. Marie died 3 July 1963 in Marinette, Wisconsin, at 62 years of age. Marinette VR., Book 36; page 195. Buried in Forest Home Cemetery on 8 July 1963.

Ervin D. enumerated on 1920 census living with parents in Peshtigo, as head of household #2 married. Next come Marie age 19, married, relationship daughter and Gladys age 6 mo., born Michigan. They were enumerated between the 14 and 17 of Feb. 1920.

On the 1930 U.S. census Ervin is still in Peshtigo occupation fishing. Ervin is age 33, married first at age 21, he is married to Maria who is age 29, married at age 18 and they have one son Erwin W., age 4 years 9 months. They were enumerated on Apr. 25, 1930

        29  iii.   Dewey William Selmer KRISCHEFSKI was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 14 April 1899.

Baptized at the Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee on 28 May, 1899. Sponsors were, Ida Schwiderke, Albert Kerschefski and Karl Lubbos. Dewey died 04 Aug. 1918 in Marinette, Wisconsin, at 19 years of age. Buried with parents in Forest Home Cemetery.

6. Ida Gertrude Juliana2 KRISCHEFSKI (Wilhelmina1 DICKS) was born Klein Nosvin, Germany 26 Dec. 1973. Confirmed as Ida Gertrude Juliann Krischefski (al Topel) on 25 March 1888 Christus church records. Parents listed as Martin and Minna (al Topel) Kr. Ida died 26 June 1961 in Oconto, Wl., at 86 years of age. Both buried Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto Block 41, Lot 12. Name spelled Swiedarke on cemetery index. Obituary appeared in the,

Oconto County Reporter
June 29, 1961.

Mrs. Ida Swiedarke, 87, 112 Jackson St., passed away at the Oconto County and City hospital Monday at 5:15 p.m. from serve burns which she incurred at her home on June 21.

Mrs. Swiedarke, the former Ida Topel, was born Dec. 26, 1873 in Germany. In 1881 she came to the United States.

She was married to Henry Swiedarke, December 26, 1891. He preceded her in death.

The body will lie in state at the Gallagher funeral home until noon today (Thursday) then at First American Lutheran church until the time of services at 2 p.m. The Rev. Wayne Koetz will officiate with burial in the Oconto Evergreen cemetery.

Survivors include two sons, Charles of Fond du Lac and Edward of Oconto; a sister, Mrs. Mary Mealy of Pensaukee; and five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

She married Carl Heinrich "Henry" SWIEDARKE Pensaukee, Wisconsin, Dec. 26, 1891. Married at Christus Lutheran Church.  Witnesses were, Wm. Krischefski, Mary Schwiederke, Fred Krischefski, Nelly Hardwick, Heinrick Plucker, Wilhemina Baurmer, Frank Meinke and Marie Baugartner.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Swiedarke, Jackson St. celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Friday, December 26. Mr. Swiedarke who is 78 years of age, and Mrs. Swiedarke who is 68, were married in the town of Pensaukee by the Rev. Luebke in the year of 1891. The couple resided in Pensaukee until 1902 when they moved to Oconto, where they have resided since.

They are the parents of seven children, five of whom were present at the golden wedding anniversary, Charles, of Fond du Lac, Edward of Oconto, Henry of Milwaukee; Evelyn and Walter of Green Bay.

There are also four grandchildren: Donald and Nora, son and daughter of Henry; Melvin, son of Charles, and Sue Ann, daughter of Walter.
The celebration was held at the V. F. W. hall where friends and relatives gathered to extend their congratulations. A one o'clock dinner was served and dancing was enjoyed in the evening.

Out-of-town guests were Mr. and Mrs. Earl Topel and son, Sim, and Letitia Topel of Kenosha; Mrs. Elizabeth Huebner and Virginia, Mrs. Harry Meyers, Mrs. Amanda Jacobs, all of Milwaukee; Collins Cashulette, Ila Mae Madison, Mrs. Liz Kada, Garden Bay; Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Pope, Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Topel and Howard, Mr. and Mrs. George Winters (Windross), Mrs. Mary Mealy, Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Zimmerman and Bonnie, Otto Topel and Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Topel and Frederick, Pensaukee; Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Kolocheski,(Krescheski) Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mercier, Josie Francart and Miss Kay, Green Bay, and Mrs. Inga Topel of Marinette.

Carl Henry was born Posen Prov., Germany July 1863.  Carl Henry was the son of Carl SCHWIDERKE and Ann Rosine KN???.

Carl died 03 Apr. 1953 Oconto Co., WI, at 89 years of age. The surname is spelled Schwiderke in Christus Lutheran church records, they are all buried with the name SWIEDARKE.

Enumerated on the 1900 town of Pensaukee surname spelled Schedarkie. Henry is age 36, immigrated 1880 from Germany. His occupation is fisherman. Ida age 25, immigrated 1884 from Germany. They have been married 8 years had 5 children 4 living. They are Charles age 7, born Aug. 1892; Elsa, age 6 born Sept. 1893; Wilbur age 5, born Jan 1895 and Edward age 4, born May 1896.

Enumerated on the 1910 census in city of Oconto in the east ward. Surname spelled Swidwski as it is indexed. Henry is age 48, occupation laborer at the brewery. He has been married for 18 years to Ida who is age 35, both born Germany of German, German parents. They have had six children all living. They are: Charles, age 17, laborer at the lumber mill; Wilber, 15; Elsie, age 17; Edward, 13, Henry, Jr., age 8 and

Evelyn age 1. They were enumerated on 26 April.

Enumerated on the 1920 census living on Park Ave., next to George Beyer, in the city of Oconto. Surname spelled Swiedarke. Henry is 58, immigrated 1870 from Germany, occupation labor. Ida is age 47, immigration date not readable. The children living with them are Edward, age 23, machinist; Henry, age 18; Evelyn age 10 and Walter age 6.

Enumerated on the 1930 U.S. census in city of Oconto. Henry is age 66, occupation fireman at veneer plant. Ida is age 56 was married to Henry when she was 18 and he was 27. They have only Walter age 16 living at home. Surname spelled Swidearka.
In Christus church records the name is spelled Schwiderke and gravestone reads Swiedarke in Evergreen Cemetery Records. This name obviously, over the years has been established as Swiedarke.

Ida Gertrude Julianna KRISCHEFSK1 and Carl Heinrich "Henry" SWIEDARKE had the following children:

        30  i.   Karl "Charles" Albert Heinerick3 SWIEDARKE was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 21 August 1892. Baptized 18 Sept. 1892 Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee. Witnesses were, Johann Schwiderke, Karl Schwiderke, Ferdinand Krischefski, Paulina Holl, and Frau Bertha Pope. Karl died 12 Nov. 1957 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, at 65 years of age. Buried on 15 Nov. 1957 in same lot as parents.

Enumerated on 1920 census living at 160 W. Sibley St. Fond Du Lac, Wl. Charles is age 27 married to Thelma, who is age 24. His occupation is not readable. Charles was born Wl. of German parents.

        31  ii.   Elsa "Elsie" Maria Elisabeth SWIEDARKE was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin on 30 Sept. 1893, Baptized 29 October 1893 Christus Lutheran church, Pensaukee. Sponsors were, Maria Schwiderke, Wilhelm Krischefski. Frau Elisabeth Krischefski. Elsa died 5 Nov. 1916 at 23 years of age. Buried Evergreen Cemetery, Swiedarke plot. She married R. J. MEVERDEN.

        32  iii.   Wilbur Albert Edward SWIEDARKE was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin on 31 Jan. 1895.   Baptized 14 April 1895 Christus Lutheran church as Wulbert August Swiedarke,Witnesses were,  Carl Lubbos, Albert Topel and Frau Lettie Krischefski.

On his  World War I registration card his name is Wilbur Albert, also on his World War I draft registration card it states that he lived on 3711 Cherry St. and was employed at the Miller Brewery. Wilbur died 4 Aug. 1918 in France, at 23 years of age. Buried Evergreen Cemetery with parents on 10 July 1922. Killed during WWI.

Registered for WWI draft in Milwaukee, Wl. on June 2. 1917.  He registered as Wilbur Albert born Pensaukee, Wl. January 31, 1895, single. Occupation brewery worker, bottle house. He is described as tall, slender, gray eyed with dark brown hair. Living at 3711 Cherry St. No next of kin indicated.

        33 iv.   Edward Hermann Albert SWIEDARKE was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 07 May 1896. Baptized on 26 July 1896 at Christus Lutheran church, Pensaukee. Witnesses were, Herman Schenke, Albert Lubbos, and Frau Wilhelmina Topel. Edward died 22 Aug. 1988 Iron Mountain, Dickinson. Michigan, at 92 years of age. Michigan death index. Last residence Oconto, WI, SS death index.

 He married Anna  ZUTTER.

Anna Elsa Wilhelmina ZUTTER, was born April, 1895 in Oconto, WI.,  and died 13 Aug 1965, in Oconto, Wisconsin, at 70 years of age. Both are buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto, Wisconsin.

Edward and Anna "Ann" had one child who died at birth. Her name was Alice Joan, born 27 Jul. 1931 and died the same day. Alice is buried in the Evergreen cemetery on the plot with Ida and Henry Swiedarke, her grandparents.

        34  v.   Heinrich "Henry" Otto Albert SWIEDARKE was born in Pensaukee, Wisconsin on 18 Dec. 1901. Baptized 31 May 1902 Christus Lutheran church. Witnesses were, Frau Elise Wensing, Albert Krischefski, Lydia Schuenke and Otto Topel . Heinrich died 28 Aug. 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, at 54 years of age. He was buried 01 Sept. 1956 in the Holy Cross cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

He married Marion E. WALL in 1925.  Marion was born in 1906, in Oconto Falls, WI. Marion was the daughter of James WALL and Clara Agnes HURLEY. Marion died 10 Jul. 1973 and is also buried in Holy Cross cemetery, Milwaukee, block 40, lot 94.

Henry and Marion had two children: Donald S. and Nona M.

Oconto County Reporter
Sept. 1956

Sympathy is extended to the family of Henry A, Swiedarke. who died August 28th at Misercordia Hospital in Milwaukee after a six weeks illness. He is the husband of the former Marion Wall of Oconto Falls, and was born at Pensaukee and grew to young manhood in Oconto. The Swiedarkes were married in 1925. His wife survives him and also a son Donald, daughter Nona, a grandson Billie, his mother, Mrs. Ida Sweidarke, two brothers, Charles of Fond du Lac and Edward of Oconto, his daughter-in-law, Ardis and sisters-in-law Ann and Luella. as well as nieces and nephews and other relatives. Mr. Sweidarke was a switchman for the Milwaukee Road for thirty years. Funeral services were held at St. Rose's Catholic church in Milwaukee on Saturday morning. Pallbearers were Emil Plain of Oconto Falls, James and Raymond Wall, Frank Bayer and Harry and Graydon Sheldon of Milwaukee,

Enumerated on 1930 census living at 1716 State St. Milwaukee. They are in the same dwelling as a family headed by Edward Helmuth. Henry is age 28 married at age 23 to Marian E. who was age 19 and age 24 in 1920. They have a son Donald S., age 2 years 9 mo. and Nona A. age 7 months. Henry's occupation is switchman for the railroad. He was born WI. of German parents his wife born WI of Wisconsin parents.

        35  vi.   Evelyn E. SWIEDARKE was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 1909. Evelyn died 23 Aug 1953, at 44 years of age. Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, in parents plot. She married Lyle MADISON. No children.

        36 vii.   Walter W. SWIEDARKE was born in Wisconsin 28 Aug 1913.  Walter died 31 May 1949 in Milwaukee, WI., at 34 years of age. Buried Evergreen Cemetery on 4 June 1949, in parents lot. He married Luella STRACK.
 

This is now the family of Wilhelmina (DICKS) Kreschefski and Albert TOPEL Married in Germany in 1878.

They arrived in New York on 29 April 1881 from Germany, on ship  Assyrian Monarch, departing  from London, England. On the ship were Albert, Wilhelmina, the next five children were all Kreschefski’s but they came over as Topel’s.  Albert age 11, August age 10, Herman age 10, Wilhelm age 9, Ida age 7, and then Bertha Topel age 6 months.  Bertha was the only true Topel.

Wilhelmina and Albert had four children together.  Bertha was born in Germany and the other three were born in Pensaukee, Wisconsin, where they settled.

  1. Bertha Evelina TOPEL, (Wilhelmina1 DICKS) who was born 20 May 1880 in Germany and died 16 April 1892 of diphtheria.  She is buried in the Brookside cemetery with her parents.

 2. Franz Emil W. “Frankie”TOPEL, (Wilhelmina1 DICKS)  who was born 01 Oct 1882, in Pensaukee, Oconto Co., WI., and died 19 Jun 1887, in Pensaukee.  Frankie drown.  Baptized as Franz Emil Robert, at Christus Lutheran church in Pensaukee on 22 Oct 1882, sponsors are Wilhelm Schmidt, Emil ?, Gustav Topel, Dorothea Schmidt, Elise Baumgardner.  He too is buried on the Topel plot, with his parents.
 

 3. Maria "Mary" Wilhelmina Carolina2 TOPEL (Wilhelmina1 DICKS) was born in Pensaukee, Oconto County, Wisconsin 02 May 1884. Baptized Christus Lutheran Church on 11 May 1884, sponsors were, Johann Warschkow, Bertha Weigelt, Carolina Brunke. Baptism record indicates date of birth as 06 May.1884, and also her name as Maria Wilhelmina Pauline.(this is a mistake) Maria was confirmed at First American Lutheran church in Oconto, WI.,on Palm Sunday 03 April 1898, as Maria Wilhelmina Carolina Topel born 02 May 1884. (this can be found in the church records on page 61)

 Maria died 18 Jan. 1969 in Oconto, WI., at 84 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 29, pg. 537. Informant was Mrs. Wilbur Zimmerman. Cause of death cerebral thrombosis, parkinson. DR. Zantow. Obituary is from:

Oconto County Reporter
January 23, 1969.

Mrs. Marie Caroline Mealy, 84, of R2- Oconto died Saturday at Oconto Memorial hospital where she had been a patient for some time.

A resident of Oconto County all her life, she was born May 2, 1884, in Pensaukee.
A daughter, Mrs. Wilbur Zimmerman of Pensaukee survives her together with four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Mealy was a member of First American Lutheran church and was buried from there Monday afternoon after lying in state at the Gallagher funeral home from 11 a.m. Sunday. Burial was in the Brookside cemetery, with the Rev. Fredrick P. Mai officiating.

Serving as pallbearers were Wilbur Drolette, John Topel, Albert Hansen, Walter Zimmerman, Urban Drolette and Gustave Topel.

She married John "Jack" MEALY in Menominee,Michigan, on 02 July 1904. Menominee VR. Married by Municipal Judge John M. Opsall.

John Jr. "Jack" was born in Rochester, Racine County, Wisconsin on 31 Aug. 1881. John was the son of John MEALY (Sr,) and Emma "Emily" PLUCKER. John died 21 June 1967 in Suamico, WI, at 85 years of age. He is buried in the Suamico Public cemetery next to his parents.

Green Bay Press Gazette
June 22, 1967.

John Mealy, 86, Suamico, died Wednesday afternoon in a local hospital. He was born Aug. 31,1880 in Oak Orchard, Oconto County, and was a commercial fisherman all his life. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Green Bay.

Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Wilbur Zimmerman, Pensaukee; two sisters, Mrs. George Ladrow, Suamico; Mrs. Ben Valentine, Two Rivers; four grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. One son, Clifford, preceded him in death in 1936.

At Lyndahl Funeral Home after 2 p.m. Friday. Funeral 11 a.m. Saturday, funeral home, the Rev.B.F. Miller officiating.

Buried 24 June, Suamico Public Cemetery.

Enumerated on 1910 census on Main St., town of Pensaukee, surname spelled Malay. John is age 26, born Wisconsin as was his mother, father not indicated with his occupation fisherman. His wife Mary age 26, born Wisconsin of German parents. They had been married four years and have two children Clifford A., age 3 and Violet S,, age 2.

John and Mary with the family are enumerated on the 1920 census still living in town of Pensaukee with his occupation still fisherman with both his parents recorded as being born in Wisconsin with no additional children.

It appears that John, age 44? may be a boarder living with A. J. Savis(?) working as a general laborer. The surname is spelled Maley and he is in Pensaukee. If this is not him, I could not located on 1930 census.

Mary age 45, divorced, had been married at age 19, is enumerated on the 1930 census, living in the town of Pensaukee with her son Clifford age 25, single occupation fisherman. Also living in the household is her daughter Violet, age 20, married at age 17 to Wilbur Zimmerman age 25, who married at age 22 and their daughter Bonnie Lee age 2. They are residing in a dwelling which also includes the Herbert Livermore family.(this is a census mistake, Herb Livermore lived next door.) Clifford and Wilbur's occupation is fisherman.

Maria was seperated from John MEALY Jr. in Oconto County, Wisconsin, prior to 1930. Their was never a divorce granted.

Maria "Mary" Wilhelmina Carolina TOPEL and John "Jack" MEALY had the following children:

        37  i.   Clifford Henry Albert3 MEALY was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 07 Mar.1905. Baptized 24 Apr. 1905, at Christus church Pensaukee. Sponsors were; Albert Topel, Sr. Henry Schwiderke, Albert Topel, Jr. Mrs. Inga Krischefski and Ann Krischefski. Clifford died 01 July 1935 in Oconto, WI., at 30 years of age. Oconto VR. Vol 12, Pg. 345. Informant Mrs. C. Mealy, Oconto. His occupation fisherman. Buried Evergreen cemetery, Oconto,WI., in Block 44 S-l/2 of lot 2. Cause of death appendicitis. Informant Mrs. C. Mealy. He married Eva L. ZIMMERMAN Oconto Co., WI., 21 Dec. 1932. Eva and Clifford had no children.

Eva Maria Lydia was born Oconto Co., WI. 05 July 1906. Eva was the daughter of August ZIMMERMAN and Anna KITTLER. She married for the second time to Harold Norman REDFIELD, Oconto Co., WI., 03 July 1939. Oconto VR. Vol 10, pg 399. witnesses were: Ralph Redfield and Edna Moe Fye.

Eva died 24 Sept. 1969 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, at 63 years of age. Buried in Block 44, S-l/2 of lot 2 Evergreen cemetery Oconto.

        38  ii.   Violet Laverne MEALY was born in Pensaukee, Wisconsin 19 Dec. 1909. Baptized 28 Mar. 1910 at Christus church Pensaukee. Sponsors were; Mrs. John Mealy, William Krischefski, Walter Krischefskie, Norma Zutter and Hattie Topel. Violet died 6 Mar. 1987 in Oconto, WT., at 77 years of age. Obituary from

Oconto County Reporter,
March 11, 1987.

Violet Zimmerman, 77, of 651 Congress St.. Oconto, died Friday evening, March 6, 1987 at Riverside Nursing Home, Oconto. after a long illness.

The former Violet Mealy was born Dec. 19, 1909, in Pensaukee.

She married Wilbur "Boy" Zimmerman there May 3, 1927.

She worked at the Bond Pickle Co. in Oconto for 25 years, retiring in 1975.

She was an active member of church related functions at the First American Lutheran Church. She also was a member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Society, and the church's Ladies Aid Society.

She is survived by her husband: three daughters, Bonnie Milan and June Milan, both of Oconto, and Mary Carl of Menomonee Falls: a son, Gary of Madison: eight grandchildren; and six great- grandchildren.

A brother, Clifford, died previously.

Friends called at Gallagher-Pinkart Funeral Home, Oconto, Sunday, and at the church Monday where final rites were held. The Rev. Harold Aasland officiated.

Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery, Brookside." Buried 9 Mar. 1987.

Wilbur was born in Oconto, Wisconsin 19 Mar. 1905. Wilbur was the son of August ZIMMERMAN and Anna KITTLER. "Boy" was a commercial fisherman for many years and retired from fishing and went to work for the Oconto Brewery.  Wilbur died 13 Mar. 1990 in Oconto, WI, one week before turning 85.  Obituary is from;

Oconto County Reporter
March 21, 1990.

Wilbur (Boy) Zimmerman, age 84, formerly of Congress Street, Oconto, died March 13, 1990 at Oconto Memorial Hospital.

He was born March 19,1905 in Oconto. He married Violet Mealy on May 3,1927; she died on March 6, 1987. He was a commercial fisherman from 1925 to 1955. He worked at the Oconto Brewery from 1955 until retiring in 1965. He was a member of the First American Lutheran Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Bonnie (Vernon "Lefty") Milan, of Oconto, June (James) Milan, of Oconto, Mary (Lowell) Carl, of Menomonee Falls, Wis.; one son, Gary (Carole) Zimmerman, of Madison; one brother, Alfred Zimmerman, of Oconto. one sister, Ann (Cordes) Livermore, of Oconto; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Friends called at the Gallagher Funeral Home in Oconto. Funeral services were held at the church. Rev. Merle Ries officiated.

Burial in the Brookside Cemetery.

4. Otto George Reinhold2 TOPEL (Wilhelmina1 DICKS) was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 01 Jan. 1886. Baptized 31 Jan. 1886, Christus Lutheran Church. Witnesses were; Wilhelm Schmidt, Hermann Bruncke, George Prell, Ferdinand Bruncke, Wilhelmine Gustke, Emma Keller.

Page 24

Otto is enumerated as Arthur on 1900 census, with his parents. Otto died 23 June 1950 in Madison, Wisconsin, at 64 years of age. Oconto VR., Vol. 17, pg. 333.  Cause of death prostrate and pneumonia. Informant is Mrs. Kenneth Bostedt. Buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto.

He married Hazel LIVERMORE in Menominee, Michigan, 01 Aug. 1908.

Oconto County Reporter,
August 6, 1908

Pensaukee - Miss Hazel Livermore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Livermore, and Mr. Otto G. Topel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Topel, both residents of Pensaukee, were quietly married in Menominee, Mich., last Saturday.

Hazel was born in Oconto County, Wisconsin 08 July 1888. Hazel was the daughter of Randall G. LIVERMORE and Marjorie A CORDES. Hazel died 10 June 1934 Pensaukee, Wisconsin, at 53 years of age. Oconto VR, V. 12, pg. 105. Obituary
appeared in the

Oconto County Reporter.
June 1934

The sudden death of Mrs. Otto Topel, 46, which occurred at 7:15 o'clock Sunday evening follow a stroke of paralysis shortly before, was a complete shock to her many relatives and friends. Mrs. Topel had been ailing for some time but recently had never complained. She died at her home in Pensaukee.

The Rev. E. T. Reiff officiated at funeral services at 1:30 o'clock from the German Lutheran Church in Oconto. Burial was in the Brookside cemetery.

The pallbearers were James Johnson, William and John Snyder, Art Redfield, Leigh Beaucock and Jack Kralapp.

Hazel Livermore was born July 8, 1888 at Oak Orchard in the town of Pensaukee and has always lived there. On August 1, 1908 she married Otto Topel at Menominee, Mich.

Survivors are the husband and six children, Mrs. Kenneth Bostedt, Oconto, Gordon, Jeanette, Laverne, Lorraine and Russell at home; three sisters, Mrs. Ferd. Topel, Pensaukee; Mrs. Charles Petty of Engadine, Mich., and Mrs. Desire Laduron of Brookside, and four brothers, Frank, Herb and Howard Livermore of Pensaukee and Chas. Livermore of Green Bay.

The many beautiful floral tributes were carried by Ethel and Marjorie Drolette, Mrs. Floyd Bartz, Clara Swaer, and Margaret Redfield, all of Pensaukee and Gertrude Ellnian of Oconto.

People from out-of-town attending the funeral were; Mrs. Anna Livermore, Green Bay; Mrs. Let Topel, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Tunney of Kenosha; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Topel, Mrs. Winfield Clayton of Milwaukee; Mr. and Mrs. Otto C. Topel, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Topel, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Beyers and Mrs. Inga Topel of Marinette; Mr. and Mrs. William Topel of Antigo; Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Kadow of Antigo; Mrs. Frank Pope and family of Manitowoc, and Mrs. Josie Gerardin of West DePere.

NOTE: Mrs. Desire Laduron, should read Mrs. Jerry Laduron who was Grace Livermore and a sister-in-law to Mrs. Desire Laduron.

Enumerated on 1910 census town of Pensaukee living on Main Street. Otto is age 23, born WI. of German parents, occupation fisherman; married to Hazel for 2 years. They have living with them their daughter Evelyn age 1 yr, 3 mo. and nephew George C. age 17 born WI father Germany, mother English.

On the 1920 census Town of Pensaukee, Otto is age 34, occupation fisherman, Hazel age 33 with Evelyn E. now age 11 with Gorden L, age 8; Jeanette M, age 5 years 7 mo., and Gertrude E. age 2 years 11 mo.

At the time of the 1930 census, they are also in Town of Pensaukee Otto is age 44, married at age 20, Hazel age 42, married at age 20. Living with them are children Janette, age 15; Laverne, age 13; Russell, age 11 and Lorraine, age 5.

Otto George Reinhold TOPEL and Hazel LIVERMORE had the following children:

        39  i.   Evelyn Laverne3 TOPEL was born Pensaukee. Wisconsin 05 Jan. 1909. Baptized at Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee on Jan. 31, 1909. sponsors were; Mrs. John Topel. Mrs. Dell Livermore. Miss Annie Krischefski, Mr. Walter Krischefski and Mr. William Krischefski. She married Kenneth BOSTEDT in Oconto County, Wisconsin, 02 May 1926. Kenneth died 09 Aug1958 in Oconto, WI. Buried Evergreen Cemetery, Oconto, WI.

       40 ii.   Gordon Lee TOPEL was born Pensaukee, Oconto County, WI. 10 Jul.1910. Baptized on September 04, 1910 Christus Lutheran church. Witnesses were; Mrs. William Krishefski, Elsie Schwiderke, Albert Topel, Walter Krishefski, John Mealy, Orpha Livermore.

Gordon died 26 Nov. 1970 Brown Co., WI, at 60 years of age. Oconto VR. Vol. 30 pg. 190. Buried Brookside Cemetery. Informant Mary Topel RR #2 Oconto.

He married Mary L. BOWMAN 24 May 1929 in Menominee, Michigan.  Mary was born in Brookside, Wisconsin on 03 May 1912.  Mary was the daughter of George B. BOWMAN and Stella POWELL. Mary died 02 Feb. 1975 Memorial Hospital, Hollywood, Florida,  at 71 years of age. SS death index. Last residence Oconto.

        41  iii.   Janette Marion TOPEL was born Pensaukee, Oconto County, WI. 06 Jun 1914.  Baptized 09 August 1914 at Christus Lutheran church. Witnesses were; Mrs. Mary Mealy and Andrew Blatzy.

She married Phillip John DONLEVY 14 Oct 1934 in Marinette, Wisconsin.. Phillip John was born in Oconto, WI. 13 Feb. 1913. Oconto VR, Vol. 9, pg. 544. Phillip was the son of James A. DONLEVY and Anna JAHNKE
.
Phillip died 07 Oct 1983 at 70 years of age.

        42 iv.   Gretchen LaVerne TOPEL was born in Pensaukee, Oconto County, Wisconsin 16 Dec 1916. Baptized at Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee on April 29, 1917. Sponsors were; Mrs. Wilhelmina Topel. Mr. Walter Topel and Gretchen Livermore. Known as LaVerne. Gretchen died 22 May 2001 in Green Bay, WI., at 84 years of age. Both buried Brookside Cemetery. She married Robert G. BOWMAN 01 Jun 1935 in Oconto Co. Robert was a brother of Mary married to Gordon Topel.

Robert was born 1910. Robert was the son of George B. BOWMAN and Stella POWELL. Robert died 10 Sep 1953 at 43 years of age. Buried Brookside Cemetery.

LaVerne married the second time to Joseph E. Bowman, on 03 Nov 1956 in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin. Joseph was son of Charles Bowman and Agnes Gray.  Joseph and Mary's first husband, Robert, were cousins.
Joseph died 10 Feb 2004 in Oconto Falls, WI.  He his buried in Brookside cemetery.

       43  v.   Russell Elmer TOPEL was born Pensaukee, Wisconsin 15 Mar. 1920. Baptized June 03, 1920. Sponsors were; Mrs. Wilhelmina Topel and Mrs. Mary Mealy, He married Delores Mae FUMELLE in Oconto, WI., 02 Feb 1945. Oconto vital records, Vol. 12, pg 30. Married at St. Peter's church Oconto. His occupation is fishing, her's is factory worker.

Russell died on 20 Dec 2006, in Oconto, Wisconsin.

Delores was born Oconto Co., WI. 08 Sept. 1924. Delores was the daughter of Lloyd Luke FUMELLE and Claire Marie LEMAY. Delores died 29 Mar. 1983 in Green Bay, WI., at 58 years of age. Oconto VR, Vol. 37, pg. 177. Died at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay. Age 58.  Delores was known as "Puxie" to all the people in Pensaukee.  Laborer fish processing plant, Swear's Fish House.

Russell and his wife at one time operated Oak Park tavern at Pensaukee.

Oconto County Reporter April 6, 1983
OBIT

   Mrs. Delores (Puxie) Topel, 58, of R2-Oconto, died Tuesday, March 29, at St. Vincent hospital in Green Bay after a short illness.

   The former Delores Fumelle was born Sept 8, 1924 in Oconto to the late Lloyd and Clara Fumelle.  She married Russell Topel on Feb. 2, 1945 at St. Peter's Catholic church in Oconto.  She worked for Swear Fish Co. for 10 years and was a member of St. Peter's Catholic church.  She was a promoter of the Pensaukee Days Inc. organization.

   Survivors include her husband, Russell; one daughter, Pamela Campshure of R2-Oconto; two sons, Clark and Barry, both of R2-Oconto; one brother, William Fumelle of Oconto; one sister, Mrs. Ronald (Audrey) Frease of Oconto and seven grandchildren.

   A Memorial Mass was held at 8:00 p.m. March 30 at St. Peter's Catholic church with the Rev. Robert Karuhn officiating.  The Gallagher-Pinkart funeral home was in charge of arrangements.

(Puxie was cremated)

Green Bay Press Gazette  December 22, 2006
OBIT

   Mr. Russell E. Topel, 86, Oconto, died Wednesday morning, Dec. 20, 2006, at Woodlands of Oconto. Mr. Topel was born Russell Elmer Topel, March 15, 1920, in Oconto, to Otto and Mary (Livermore) Topel. He served in the Army during World War II. Russ married the former Delores "Puxie" Feumelle February 2, 1945, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Oconto. He worked for Waterway Engineering and later Hougard Construction as a carpenter until retirement. His wife, Puxie preceded him death, March 29, 1983. Russ was a lifelong member of St. Peter Catholic Church, Oconto, now Holy Trinity Parish. He enjoyed fishing and card playing.

   Surviving are, a daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Jim Leneau, Oconto; two sons and daughters-in-law, Barry and Justine Topel, Green Bay; and Chuck and Brenda Topel, Pensaukee; grandchildren, Chad (Tracy) Campshure, Bruce (Ann) Campshure, Stephanie Topel, Tiffany Topel, Chasidy Topel, Brett Topel, Dustin Topel, Chris Topel, Jenilyn (John) Viestenz and Ashley Topel; great-grandchildren, Gracie and Cooper Campshure, Kaitlyn, Gabrielle and Alexis Campshure, Halie and Alyse Viestenz and Braden Topel; a sister, Lou Bishop, DePere; nieces, nephews and a special friend, Grace Gussert.

   In addition to his wife, Puxie, Russ was preceded in death by, his parents; a brother; Gordon; and three sisters, Evelyn Bostedt-Roewe, Janette Donlevy and LaVerne Bowman.

   The family will greet relatives and friends at Holy Trinity Parish, Oconto, 1 p.m. until the service hour of 2 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2006, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Oconto. The Rev. Fr. Patrick Beno presiding. Jones-Modrow-Young American Legion Post #74 of Oconto will conduct military rites followed by a gathering in the parish hall.

        44 vi.   Lou Lorrraine TOPEL was born in Oconto, WI. 11 Dec 1924. Baptized on May 31, 1925 at Christus Lutheran church Pensaukee. Sponsors were; Mrs. Henry Swiedarke, and Mr. Gustave Topel.

She married Harvey BISHOP in Oconto County, Wisconsin, 30 Sep 1941. Oconto VR, Vol. 11, pg. 166.

Harvey was born La Grange, Illinois 05 Jan 1923. Harvey died 31 Dec 2001 in Wisconsin, at 78 years of age. Obituary appeared in the;

Peshtigo Times
Jan. 02, 2002

Harvey G. Bishop, 78, Green Bay, died Monday, Dec. 31. Born Jan. 5, 1923 in La Grange to the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Hazel Minette) Bishop, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. On Sept. 30. 1941 he married Lou Topel in Oconto. The couple moved to Green Bay in 1960. He was a truck driver and member of Teamsters Local 75. He retired from Clairmont Transfer in 1976 after 21 years of service. He later moved to Peshtigo where he joined Harmony United Methodist church. After returning to Green Bay in 1996, he rejoined St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Mrs. William (Bonnie) Stewart and Mrs. David (Nancy) Gronski of Green Bay, Mrs. John (Diana) Reynolds of Ashwaubenon; a son, Harvey Bishop and friend, Rhonda Schultz, of Charlotte, Mich.; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernice Di Maggio of California, Mrs. Louis (Norma) Koch of Green Bay, Mrs. Lon (Shirley) Sohorwide of Oconto. Earl Bauers of Pound; three sisters-in-law, Jenita Bishop of Hartland, Shirley Bishop of Oconto, and Candace Bishop of Crivitz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Kenneth, Raymond and Robert Bishop; a sister, Dorothy Bauers; and a brother-in-law, John Di Maggio.
A family funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 3 at II a.m. at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave. with Rev. Ray Kolwicki officiating. A 9:30 to 11 a.m. visitation will precede. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery.
 

Albert & Wilhelmina Topel

(both stones were replaced)    Bertha Topel

Frank Emil Wilhelm Topel

Anna & Edward Swiewarke

Ida & Henry family

Howard (Johnny) Topel

Lou Lorriane Topel

Marie (TOPEL) Mealy

Otto Topel

Wilhelmina & Marie Topel

Ship – Assyrian Monarch,  arriving 29 April 1881 in New York

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