John J. Silbernagel

Col. John Silbernagel, beloved husband, father and friend to many, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Waunakee Manor. He was known for his gentleness, kindness, his curiosity about all people and his ceaseless desire for knowledge. He was an inveterate storyteller, who continually surprised even his immediate family with new stories from his past. He had a subtle sense of humor and an infectious smile. He was respected for his integrity. He displayed courage throughout his life, never more than in the last years. Even then, he worried more about the lives of others than himself. He was sustained by his deep faith, which he shared with his wife, Elnore, as well as other family members and friends. John was born Feb. 6, 1914, in Madison, Wis., to Mildred and Charles Silbernagel. He spent his childhood in Madison and was a member of the first graduating class from West High School. John attended the University of Wisconsin, where he was a member of the crew with his older brother, Herman. He graduated in 1935 with a degree economics. After college, he took a job as an insurance actuary in Chicago then joined the Army in 1941. During World War II, Captain John Silbernagel served in Europe as commanding officer of the 13th Machine Records Unit, U.S. Army VIII Corps. The unit operated some of the first mobile computers in history, hauling them on large trucks to provide up-to-date information on troop strength, casualties, equipment and more. The unit entered Normandy a month after D-Day and travelled with the Army through France, Brussels and Germany. After the war, John returned to Wisconsin and took a job with the Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce. He married Elnore Mae Heasty of Sparta on July 30, 1949. The couple settled in Madison, and later moved to rural Middleton, then to a farm near Riley. They had six children: In 1950, John returned to full-time service with the U.S. Army, serving with the Selective Service in Madison, where he worked with local draft boards. He served during the Vietnam War, and retired in 1969 as a Colonel. In retirement, John enjoyed working on his farm, traveling with Elnore, visiting children and grandchildren in various parts of the world. He later returned to college to study Agricultural Economics. In addition to his wife, John is survived by all six children, Becky (Michael Blue) of Madison; Bob (Judy Field) of Palisade, Colo..; Karen (Larry Moucha) of Verona; Carl (Kathleen Riley) of Rhinelander; Teresa (Ed Fitzhenry) of St. Louis, Mo.; Janet (Nick Balster) of Middleton; a nephew, Mike Silbernagel of Madison; 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Herman and Charles; and a sister, Helen. Funeral Services will be held at MOUNT OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 110 N. Whitney Way, Madison on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jason Zobel presiding. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, September 7, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society. Cemetery: Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday, September 7, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Funeral Services will be held at MOUNT OLIVE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 110 N. Whitney Way, Madison on Saturday, September 8, 2012 at 11 a.m. with the Reverend Jason Zobel presiding