DANBURY / Port Charlotte, Fla. - Noel Nels Hjelmhaug, age 93, of Port Charlotte, Fla., passed away on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at The Courtyard at Fitchburg, Madison, Wis. He was born on Jan. 19, 1930, in Lima, Dunn County, Wis., the son of Nels Olson Hjelmhaug and Rose Elnora (Zeilinger) Hjelmhaug.

Noel grew up in Eau Claire. Following high school graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army. When he returned home, he took advantage of the GI Bill to get his undergraduate degree at UW-Whitewater, which was followed by his master’s degree from Vanderbilt University and his doctorate from Indiana University. After graduation, Noel taught Physics for 36 years at UW-Whitewater, enjoying his students immensely.

Noel loved to polka dance, which is how he met his future bride, Carol Jean Crowson. He and Carol were married on February 8, 1951, in Stillwater, Minn. Following his retirement, Noel and Carol spent the summers at their cabin near Spooner, Wis., and winters in Port Charlotte, Fla. Noel was an avid fisherman, enjoyed the outdoors, and continued to dance into his 90s.

Noel is survived by his son, Michael Hjelmhaug and daughter, Julie (Tim Huchmala) Hjelmhaug; sister, Verna (Tedd) Jensen; brother-in-law, Edward "Bill" Peil; and sister-in-law, Judy (Ralph) Richardson. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; and sisters, Arlene Sonja (Edward) Tribble, Norma (Karl) Benesh, and Rosemary “Rosie” Peil.

There will be a private service at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, Wis. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

The family wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to The Courtyard of Fitchburg, for their loving care provided to Noel.

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

Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002

Noel Hjelmhaug

January 19, 1930 - December 03, 2023

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