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Matthew Joseph Pugel

April 8, 1966 - July 26, 2025
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Wednesday 8/27, 11:00 am - 12:45 pm
Memorial
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Wednesday 8/27, 1:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, donations to American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/

Matthew Pugel, age 59, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on July 26, 2025. Born on April 8, 1966, to Richard and Esther Pugel, Matt was a proud graduate of Marquette High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply.

Matt graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison and then went on to build a long career in the field of Information Technology, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike.

Matt was a passionate sports fan, known for his unwavering loyalty to the Green Bay Packers and his love of all things sports. He was a fierce and fun competitor in his fantasy football league and never missed an opportunity to talk stats, players, or game-day predictions. A true foodie, Matt enjoyed trying new restaurants and was a familiar face at many of his favorite local spots. Matt’s favorite pastime activities were spent cooking in the kitchen or out on the course playing golf.

He was a devoted father to Joseph, Joshua, and Allison, and a loving son to Esther Pugel. He is also survived by his sister Carrie Smith (Mike), and his beloved niece and nephew, Andie Maas (Steven) and Sam Smith. Matt also valued his friendship with Rene and Mark Slezak. He held a special bond with his many cousins and found great joy in attending his family’s biennial reunion—RAP Fest—a tradition that brought him tremendous happiness and pride.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Richard Pugel; his aunt and uncle, Annette “Auntie” and Bill Croteau; his godparents, Diane and Greg Dettlaff and his aunt, Ann Pugel.

Celebration of Life will be held on August 27, 2025 from 11:00 AM-12:45 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Family and friends are warmly invited to come together to share memories, laughter, and love in honor of Matt’s life at 1:00 PM. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/

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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Wednesday 8/27, 11:00 am - 12:45 pm
Memorial
Krause Funeral Home Brookfield
21600 West Capitol Drive
Brookfield, WI 53072
Map
Wednesday 8/27, 1:00 pm

In lieu of flowers, donations to American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/

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Matthew Pugel, age 59, of Pewaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at his home on July 26, 2025. Born on April 8, 1966, to Richard and Esther Pugel, Matt was a proud graduate of Marquette High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships that he cherished deeply. Matt graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison andContinue Reading

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Tree 5 trees were planted in memory of Matthew Pugel
Curt & Linda Reynolds left a message on August 1, 2025:
In memory of Matt. Let's try not to hit our golf balls under these trees. :)
Maria Wellenstein left a message on August 31, 2025:
I am sorry for the loss of a much beloved Matt Pugel I will always have the fondest memories of him. What a blessing it was to have him in our lives.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Matthew Pugel . Plant a Tree
Brett and Mary Jo Reynolds left a message on August 27, 2025:
Our gatherings will never be the same without Matt. We are thinking about all of you!
Vicki Schmeisser Marker left a message on August 22, 2025:
Matt - I knew you my entire life. Your family has been my 2nd family. So many fun times spent together - playing ding dong ditch and red light green light when we were little, pool parties, holidays, birthday parties, croquet parties, Halloween parties in Madison with pig roasts and reggae bands, weddings, graduation parties, and most recently, meeting for breakfast, the list goes on and on. We were always there for each other and now you’re gone and it really hurts. I still can’t believe it. I will always think of you anytime I hear Kiss, The English Beat or Bob Marley songs. I miss you my friend.
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Frank Gumina left a message on August 20, 2025:
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Matthew Pugel . Plant a Tree
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jay Neary left a message on August 4, 2025:
I am so grateful to have known Matt and that our paths crossed. He was such a kind person and I always looked forward to speaking with him. Please know that I am keeping Matt's family in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Jay Neary
Jennifer Pluer left a message on August 3, 2025:
Biscuits and gravy will never be same without Matty!
Chris May left a message on August 2, 2025:
I was part of “Team 201” that Matt “managed”. Nothing got past him in that building… He was unbeatable in Atari Baseball, and always ‘just happened’ to be around when a tenant’s dishwasher was filled with dishwashing soap… what a mess that made, and I’ll never forget his laugh when the floors were filled with suds. Too many stories to tell. We’ll all miss him Redman
Curt Reynolds left a message on August 1, 2025:
Cousin Matt - You will truly be missed. Too many stories to share here, but most revolve around family gatherings, golfing, and growing up together. The one thing that was always central to Matt, was family. It's what mattered most to him. Rest in peace cousin. You will live on in this family forever.
Brandon Tesmer left a message on July 31, 2025:
I met Matt in the fall of 1984 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Matt was incredibly fun to hang out with. Whether we were throwing darts, shooting pool, drinking beer, or watching movies, anything fun was always encouraged by our group, which I'll refer to as "Team 201 Langdon," the place where we all lived. Team 201 Langdon produced doctors, lawyers, mathematicians, nurses, teachers, economists, and historians. Matt, with his quick wit, strong opinions, and love of sports and cooking, brought a tremendous amount of energy to our social gatherings. He will be missed by all. I will always remember Matt encouraging me to push the envelop of well FUN....by saying, "Tes, are you going to do something crazy?" He would reference anything from buying kegs of Hacker-Pschorr beer to getting a new CD player or VCR. Matt was smart, fun, interesting, and genuinely interested in others. His passing is a huge loss for all of us. Rest in peace, Matt. You were a wonderful human being. With love, Brandon Tesmer "TES"
Heidi Grow left a message on July 31, 2025:
Matty, you were like a little brother. I’ve known you since you were three years old. This picture of you as the Hulk for Halloween makes me smile. You were taken too soon and will be missed.
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Michael Stier left a message on July 31, 2025:
Matt is one of the nicest persons I've ever known. It will take time for me to process his sudden demise. He will be missed by all who knew Matt.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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