Mr. Norman Hoel

VERONA-Norman Elif Hoel passed away peacefully on Friday, March 11, 2011, at the Badger Prairie Health Care Center in Verona. Norman was born on Aug. 28, 1931 at the farm of his Norwegian immigrant parents, Nels and Marie (Moldstad) Hoel. He was baptized and confirmed at the Burke Lutheran Church, attended Pumpkin Hollow Elementary and graduated from DeForest High School in 1949. Growing up on the farm, he was an exceptionally strong and hard worker. In 4-H, he raised and showed a 1st prize calf at the Milwaukee State Fair. He had a number of entirely natural talents; with a fine tenor voice, he sang with the passion of Mario Lanza. In sports, he was a swift runner, a fierce boxer and excelled in softball hitting and basketball shooting. He showed original creativity in writing, art work and poetry. Sadly, for us all, at the age of 25 he was afflicted with mental illness. In earlier years, he resided at the Columbia County Home and farm where he was a valued worker. In his final years at Badger Prairie, many workers have expressed their love for Norman with his special qualities. Norman is survived by a sister, Ruth (Rev. George) Orvick of Madison; brother, Michael of DeForest; sister-in-law, Barbara Hoel of Madison; nephews, Andrew (Amy) Hoel of Madison, Eric (Kathy) Hoel of DeForest, Corey Hoel of Portage, Daniel Orvick of Madison, Mark (Lisa) Orvick of Madison; nieces, Emily (Robert) Goetzke of Mankato, Minn., and Kirsten Orvick of Madison; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Orville. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, with the Rev. Theodore Gullixson officiating. Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Private graveside rites will be held at the Burke Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1 S. Rosa Rd., Madison, WI 53705 or to a designation of donors choice. The family wishes to express deep appreciation and thanks to the kind staff at Badger Prairie, including previous workers, for their long time care. We love you Norman and will miss you. Memorials: Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 1 S. Rosa Rd., Madison, WI 53705 or to a designation of donors choice. Cemetery: Private graveside rites will be held at the Burke Cemetery. Visitation: Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, with the Rev. Theodore Gullixson officiating.