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Harold “Hal” Edward Topel

July 3, 1936 - April 26, 2017
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Friday 5/5, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Saturday 5/6, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Service
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Saturday 5/6, 10:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Wisconsin Humane Society 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee 53208.

Topel, Harold E. “Hal” Died on Wednesday, April 26th, 2017 at his home in Sarasota, FL at the age of 80. Born July 3rd 1936 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was the oldest son of the late Margaret M. and Harold C. Topel.

On October 20th, 1956, he married Alice E. Topel who preceded him in death November 9th, 1997

Loving husband of Barbara Rourke-Topel. Beloved dad of Kirk (Annmarie) Topel and Kim (Michael) Griest. Step-dad of Jeffrey Jackl and Michael (Molly) Jackl. Proud grandpa of Ali King, Schuyler and Wyatt Topel and Liam, Logan and Quinlin Jackl. Dear brother of Gib Topel of Bradenton, FL and Sharon Bredek of Cape Coral, FL.

Hal was a graduate of Kenosha Bradford High School and attended Drake University. He started his career in the automobile business with his father in Burlington, WI, and later in Kenosha at Topel AMC/Rambler, ultimately operating Hals Auto Sales. A life- long motorcycle advocate, he purchased the Harley-Davidson dealership in New Berlin, Wisconsin in April 1978. Hals Harley-Davidson became synonymous with Milwaukee and legendary as a welcome respite for motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe.  It was a place where lifelong friendships were created. Along with his son they opened Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc, in 1994 until 2009. The New Berlin dealership was sold June 2016. Throughout his tenure Hal’s HD was recognized by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company for numerous national sales, service and promotion awards. Hal lived a life of service and was very active in the local community and supported many charitable causes. A past president of the Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha he rallied attention to Muscular Dystrophy since 1979 and was a frequent visitor to MDA camp on his Harley. A devoted family man, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, he touched the lives of many and will surely be missed. There will be a celebration of life for friends in Sarasota, Florida this fall.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue New Berlin, Wisconsin on Friday, May 5, 2017 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Additional visitation on Saturday, May 6, 2017 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM. A Celebration of Hal’s Life at 10:00 AM. Burial to follow at Highland Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Wisconsin Humane Society 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee 53208.

 

Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Friday 5/5, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Saturday 5/6, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Service
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Saturday 5/6, 10:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, donations appreciated to the Wisconsin Humane Society 4500 W. Wisconsin Ave. Milwaukee 53208.

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Topel, Harold E. “Hal” Died on Wednesday, April 26th, 2017 at his home in Sarasota, FL at the age of 80. Born July 3rd 1936 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he was the oldest son of the late Margaret M. and Harold C. Topel. On October 20th, 1956, he married Alice E. Topel who preceded him inContinue Reading

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David & Lyn Perszyk left a message on May 5, 2017:
If you are a motorcycle enthusiasts, When you said Hal you didn't have to ask who you're talking about. You new it was Hal From Hal's Harley Davidson. He was a dear friend and riding partner. Enjoyed the trips and good times together.
michael and Julie lichner left a message on May 4, 2017:
Kirk, Kim, Barb and the rest of the Topel family my condolences to all of you with the passing of Hal. I am sure that you all have special memories to help through these difficult times, I know that we do. May he finally Rest In Peace.
Nancy Simon left a message on May 3, 2017:
I will always remember Hal for his spunk as a great boss and a wonderful friend. With much love and respect, I offer my condolences to Barb, Kirk and the Topel Family
Tom Klemko left a message on May 2, 2017:
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of Harold . Please accept my condolence and may prayers to help comfort you.
Alexander evans left a message on May 2, 2017:
A brother and a father and friend to me
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Chuck & Karen vojtas left a message on May 1, 2017:
Our thoughts and are with you
Denise A. Purgill left a message on May 1, 2017:
To the Topel family. My deepest condolences on the loss of Hal. He was a man who brought smiles to everyone. I will miss his smile and cheerful disposition. May he rest in peace with God.
Jim Pawlak and left a message on April 30, 2017:
Kirk, our sincere sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father. Hal was a great man,lots of good times riding and at the dealership. He will be missed.
Randy & Linda Martin left a message on April 30, 2017:
Kirk & Family, our sincere sympathy to you on the loss your Father. Hal was a wonderful man and an inspiration to those that knew him well. We will miss his friendship but have many fond memories spending time with him at Harley events over the years. May Hal RIP in the hands of the Lord.
Barb & Bob Schaal left a message on April 30, 2017:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you & all the family.
Gail Wegner left a message on April 30, 2017:
Dear Kirk and Kim and families..I am so sorry to read of Hal's passing. I remember all the fun, parties, Friday hamburger runs, Runs to the Races, riding up to Tomahawk and just everyone getting together..and it always happened or started at Hal's Harley-Davidson. There will never be another place like that original Hal's HD..a true "Mom and Pop" business that kept it's charm even when it grew so big. Memories that I will cherish forever. John and I send our deepest condolences to his family. RIP Hal you were a great guy! Sincerely, Gail (Rymkus) Wegner
Beth Cramer left a message on April 30, 2017:
You are already missed. Rest in Peace my friend.
Beth Cramer left a message on April 30, 2017:
You are already being missed.
Chris Hannafin left a message on April 30, 2017:
Love and sympathy, Barb. I am so sorry for the hardship and loss.
Joe Burgarino left a message on April 30, 2017:
So sorry to hear of Hal's passing. He was a good man. He always greeted me by name over the years. My sympathies to Kirk and the family. Joe Burgarino
Colleen "Jynx" Baker left a message on April 30, 2017:
Hal always greeted us with a smile and sincere, kind and caring, words... So many years, So many Smiles, So many Memories (they shall never die). Thinking of Kirk, the entire Topel family, and the countless friends who are hurting so deeply! Always in my heart, "Jynx"
Howard and Lori Wurgler left a message on April 30, 2017:
Lori and I had the honor of escorting Hal on the ride home during the 105th anniversary from Maine to Milwaukee RIP Hal your truly missex
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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