Noel James Hayden

HAYDEN, NOEL J. MCFARLAND – Noel Hayden, age 73, passed away at home in the early morning hours of Thursday, Feb. 26, 2014, following his second courageous battle with cancer. Noel was born at home in Chili, Wis., on Dec. 27, 1940, the youngest child of Wesley and Ida Hayden. He grew up and graduated from high school in Marshfield, Wis. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the US Navy, receiving a medical discharge a year later. After attending Madison Business College, he was employed in the accounting department at MG&E for 35 years, retiring in 2001. He and his loving wife, Heleen, enjoyed 48 years of marriage and have lived in McFarland for over 40 years. His family was first and foremost in his life, and he cherished his two children, Lisa and Kevin, and treasured his five grandchildren. Noel always looked forward to spending time with his family. He faced several medical challenges during his life and always faced them head-on with courage, determination and a positive attitude, never complaining. “It is what it is. Can’t change it. Let’s deal with it and move on.” His faith was the basis for that courage. Noel was a “people person” and enjoyed talking with people whether he knew them or not. Everyone enjoyed his sense of humor; the tease in him and his quick, warm smile and laugh. He enjoyed hunting with family all of his life and being in the outdoors, just appreciating nature. He especially loved watching the birds in his backyard, loved playing and watching many sports, but golfing was his passion for the last 40 years. Noel always looked forward to playing cards with his longtime friends. He liked fixing things and creating woodworking projects. Noel was a member of the McFarland Lutheran Church and the McFarland Lions Club for many years. He is survived by his wife, Heleen; his daughter, Lisa (Jim) Thompson; his son, Kevin (Jennifer) Hayden; his grandchildren, Brandon, Connor, and Justin Thompson, and Joshua and Ava Hayden; his sister, Beverly Smith; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Naomi Odden and Beryl Hoops; and his nephew, Steve Smith. Funeral services will be held at MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Rd., McFarland, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Burial will follow at Upper McFarland Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 3, as well as from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McFarland Lutheran Church or the McFarland Lions Club. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Patrick Dowling, UW Pulmonary; Dr. Thomas McFarland, Dr. David Hei and staff at UW Carbone Cancer Center for their excellent care. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420