G. Niel Rossmaessler
November 02, 1929 - April 26, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - G. Niel Rossmaessler, age 90, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Nov. 2, 1929, in Madison, the son of Richard and Mary (Miller) Rossmaessler.
Niel was raised in Madison, graduating in 1947 from East High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Niel married Caryl Replinger on May 29, 1954, in Madison. He joined the Madison Fire Department in 1951, retiring in 1985.
Niel was a very active member of VFW No. 7591, Wisconsin Fire Equipment Mechanics Association (former president from 1972 to 1986), and a very active member of St. Dennis Catholic Church, where he ushered and volunteered over the years. Niel enjoyed traveling with Caryl, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.
Niel is survived by his children, Michael of Van Nuys, Calif., Mary Lee of Madison, Ann (JR) Wetley of Sun Prairie and Sharon Doyle of Evanston, Ill.; grandchildren, Caroline and Patrick Doyle of Evanston, Ill.; sisters-in-law, Pauline Rossmaessler of Oceanside, Calif. and Virginia Replinger of Madison; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Caryl; parents; brother, Richard "Dick" Rossmaessler; and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Dennis Catholic Church. Burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens. Memorials may be gifted in Niel's name to St. Dennis Catholic Church. Niel's family would like to thank the staff of Oak Park Place for the kind and compassionate care they gave him.
Thanks for being a great husband, dad, father-in-law and grandpa! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Debbie McCann
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I always enjoyed my visits with your Dad when he would bring your Mom to get her hair done. Debbie
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Julie Beisenstein
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I have several memories, but the one that I want to share is the car ride after a parade we were in. We were in Ridgeway and heading back to our VFW. Lets just say everyone else arrived at the VFW long before we did. We ended up in Waunakee. Caryl kept asking Niel where he was going and he just kept saying I know where we are. We then saw the sign for Waunakee and he made the point to say, See I know where we are. We are in Waunakee. After that, if I rode with them, Caryl would always tell me are you sure you want to come with us? You may not know where you will end up. Oh Niel, you are going to be so missed. I have so many wonderful memories of you and Caryl. Rest in peace my dear friend. Rest in peace.
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Tammi Alexander, Badger Honor Flight
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The volunteers, flight team and board of Badger Honor Flight mourn the loss of their hero, Niel Rossmaessler. We are thankful for his military service and proud to have served him on his trip to Washington, D.C. on May 18, 2013.
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Nicole Anderson
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Niel was a great friend and he will certainly be missed. Janis Crandall
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Mike Stewart
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I was saddened to hear of Niel's passing. He was a valuable member of the ushering staff at St. Dennis and we are going to miss him. He was also a cheery and great person to be around. Our condolances go out to his family during this time. We will keep you in our prayers.
KV
Kelsey Vogel
Other •
I was honored to get to know Niel over the last year of his life. An incredible man with a big heart and infectious laughter. I'll miss his wise guy remarks and giving him a hard time right back. I know he was looking forward to meeting Caryl again and felt proud of the wonderful life he made with his family. He loved to brag about how wonderful his kids are! He'll be missed here very much, but I know he's still laughing on the other side. Cheers to a beautiful life, my friend.
Lots of love, Kelsey Vogel