John "Jack" Edl

John "Jack" Edl

October 07, 1942 - January 13, 2023

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Obituary

MIDDLETON, Wis. / NAPLES, Fla. - John “Jack” Edl, 80, of Middleton, Wis., and Naples, Fla., passed away on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at University of Wisconsin Hospital.


Always a good friend, Jack gave his heart to his university, his work, his dogs, his beloved Margo, and everyone drawn to his extraordinary talent and kindness. A native of Lake Geneva, Jack was a proud 1965 graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. President of Delta Tau Delta as a student, he served throughout his life on the Athletic Board, the Alumni Association, the UW Foundation, and the Bascom Hill Society.


Jack concluded his distinguished career as President and Vice Chairman of Elkay Manufacturing Company, famous for sinks and water fountains as well as cabinetry. Upon retirement in 2006, he served on the Board of Directors through 2022.


For their 58 years together, Jack and Margo shared their love of their Brittany Spaniels: Danny Boy, Tesha, Junior, Danielle, Mac the Miracle Dog, Abby, Bonnie, and Otis. Jack’s generous spirit lives on in their strong support of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.


A Memorial Celebration will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, Wis., at 12 noon on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Visitation will precede the celebration, beginning at 10 a.m.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UW School of Veterinary Medicine’s Companion Animal Endowment Fund online at supportuw.org/giveto/EdlMemorial or via check made payable to “UW Foundation-Fund 132845371” with “In memory of Jack Edl” on the check memo line. Checks should be mailed to: UW Foundation, U.S. Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761




Events

27
Visitation
Thu Apr 27, 2023 @ 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
27
Memorial Service
Thu Apr 27, 2023 @ 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM CDT
Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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CK
Carol Kozola
Other •
Jack, it was a distinct honor and pleasure working for you when I started my career at Elkay. I'll never forget all the tapes you would give me to transcribe early on. Not only were you a great manager but a great friend. I enjoyed our talks and travels and learning your great wisdom along the way. You and Ron had a close relationship which I had the pleasure of witnessing through the years. I'll never forget our ride to the Savannah plant with Ron driving, Tim in the front and you and I in the back. You told me to hang on and not to throw up on you...LOL! Thanks for the great memories , your guidance and leadership. I will miss you dearly. Carol Kozola
JH
John Heilstedt
Other •
Although I had known Jack for many years, our relationship grew after both of us had retired to southwest Florida. Over many years he made the effort to meet for lunch or dinner and update me on developments at Elkay. We regularly discussed business issues in general, politics and sports. Sometimes Ron joined us. Over the years, I enjoyed his occasional approval of my conservative Facebook observations as well as the texts and emails we batted back and forth when Wisconsin played Indians in football or basketball. Dring our last meeting in the Spring of 2022, he shared many of the details of the merger as we exchanged thoughts of how important Elkay had been to each of us. He and our get togethers will be missed very much. John Heilstedt
JT
Jim Tegan
Other •
We have known Jack and Margo for over 55 years. We have watched, accompanied and followed Jack and Margo over these many years with many many good times. It was an honor to watch Jack build his career from a small market with Armstrong to be promoted to a middle market with them, then promoted to a major market (Chicago) where he built many lasting relationships. One of these brought him to corporate management with Conwed, then to major management positions with Wickes, Mid Continent, Yorktown, Medallion then onto Elkay where he became an inspiration to many and a friend to many coworkers, especially Ron. Jack never visited a plant without walking the entire manufacturing floor to meet and encourage each employee on each shift. Yes, his work was so very important to Jack, but he had many other interests where he excelled as well. The University or Wisconsin was very important to him and he served them well on several boards and was a generous benefactor and fan of his Badgers. He enjoyed his fraternity and made many lifelong friends there. Hunting was also one of Jack’s favorite hobbies where he gained more lifelong friends and had many lasting memories. After moving to Naples, Artis Naples and their great performances were an important part of Jack and Margo’s time there which we enjoyed with them many times. One cannot ever forget Jack’s bond to his many Britney’s and Peter too. Having Jack as our Best Man 51 years ago was an honor to us and we have remained best friends for all of these years. We miss you our friend. Mary and Jim Tegan
TK
Thomas Kwiatkowski
Other •
Dear Margo and family, Barb and I were saddened to read of Jack’s passing today. We loved being with you in Naples and sharing stories of Lake Geneva and Williams Bay. It was an honor to be with you when our son-in-law and Jack were inducted in the Badger High School Wall of Fame. The Edl name has a proud heritage in Lake Geneva and his spirit will live on in the people who knew him. May the blessings of life be with you. Sincerely, Tom and Barb Kwiatkowski
DB
David Barstad
Other •
Dear Margo, We are so sorry to learn of Jack's death and send our deepest condolence! Glad to have helped you and Jack while in Naples. If there is "anything" we can do to assist now, please reach out. May the love of God, family and friends surround you in your sorrow and loss of Jack. We will miss him! David & Carmen Barstad.
BA
Bob Armbruster
Other •
I've know Jack since he joined Elkay around 1985. In fact the first time he came to Columbus Ohio we were in all day meeting and came out and we learned about the space shuttle Challanger disaster. The rest of his career with me were filled with The Ohio State University and Wisconsin game bets. Very fond memories of our relationship over the years. Those days continued in Naples also, with lunches and dinner payoffs for bets.. One of my fondness memories was driving to a Elkay sales meeting in Florida form Naples. he asked me to drive and he was on a conference call with board members of UW. they were discussing were to put a statue of Bucky the Badger on campus. I heard his skills in negotiating between competing factions and I was impressed. Will certainly miss him.

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