John E. Hamele

PORTAGE  /  POYNETTE  --  John E. Hamele, age 65, of Poynette, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, September 30, 2013 at Agrace Hospice Center in Fitchburg, following a courageous journey against cancer.

John was born on February 16, 1948 in Portage, the son of John Francis “Kayo” and Florence Loraine (Scherbert) Hamele.  He graduated from Portage High School in 1966.  John served his country with the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany during the Vietnam War.  He had started work as a technician with Wisconsin Bell, and retired in 2002 from SBC.  He was an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and supporter of Wisconsin sports.

He is survived by his daughters, Johanna (Jason) Mahnke, Oregon, WI, Kari Hamele, Albany, WI, and Melissa (Jim) Wagner, Spring Green;  his step-daughter, Amy Hansen, Cross Plains;  his brothers and sisters, Katherine (John) Flahive, Watertown, Patricia Hamele, Portage, Robert (Vicky) Hamele, Pardeeville, Peggy Hamele, Portage, Thomas (Phyllis) Hamele, Portage, Joseph (Linda) Hamele, Oxford, and Jeri Kindred, Portage;  eight grandchildren;  other near relatives and many close friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John “Kayo” and Florence Hamele, his sisters, Joni Close and Rita Ulferts, an infant sister, Mary Kay, and a brother, James.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at Portage United Methodist Church, 1804 New Pinery Road, with the Rev. Tom Countryman officiating.  Military honors will be provided by Portage area veterans. Inurnment will be private.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the church.

The family suggests, for those who desire, memorials may be given to Agrace Hospice, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI  53711.