Carl Leonard Storch
January 08, 1942 - December 23, 2025
Obituary
SUN PRAIRIE - Carl Leonard Storch, age 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Sun Prairie on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. A man of deep faith and devotion to his family, Carl often reminded those he loved that if you had God and family right, everything else in life would work out. He had a smile for everyone, a helping hand, a well-timed joke, and deep gratitude. He truly saw the best in everyone, and made sure they knew it.
Carl Junior was born on the near east side of Madison on January 8, 1942, the son of Carl and Bertha Storch. He learned life lessons during his early life from his dad, who was a hard-working German immigrant and foreman at Gisholts foundry, and his mom, who generously fed those who traveled the tracks behind their house on Baldwin St. In his later childhood, his family moved to a small farm along the Maunesha River outside of Sun Prairie, where Carl worked hard taking care of the animals, and hunting and fishing the land. He was a proud 1960 graduate of Sun Prairie Senior High. Before graduating, Carl enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on September 15, 1959. During his service, he was stationed at Camp Pendleton and Okinawa, serving as an AmTrac Driver. A Rifle Range Expert and recipient of the Good Conduct Medal, Carl carried the "Semper Fi" spirit throughout his life. From the Marines, he learned that even when you’re exhausted, there’s always more you can give.
On August 26, 1967, Carl married Janet Nellen at Sacred Hearts Church. Together, they built a life centered on their faith as registered members of St. Albert the Great Parish. They moved back to the east side of Madison and helped to build the church at St. Dennis on Dempsey Road. Carl was always a man of strong work ethic. Following his time in the military and early farmwork, he dedicated 30 years to Oscar Mayer. Even after "retiring," he spent another 30 years as a dealer trade driver for Zimbrick Inc. Carl and Janet eventually circled back to the farm where he grew up and built a new home on the foundation of his old home. In his late years, he kept busy planting trees, trimming trees, and burning brush piles. He always had a dozen projects in the works around the farm, and a dozen more in his head that he wanted done.
Carl was deeply involved in his community and the lives of his children and grandchildren. He coached St. Dennis football and softball, and La Follette football. He was an avid sports fan who enjoyed watching his grandkids play, and he spent many years participating in Sun Prairie Lanes bowling, couples slow-pitch softball, and MMSD men’s basketball. In his downtime, he enjoyed the peace of hunting, fishing, and camping.
Carl is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Steven (Michelle), Scott, Sheri (Greg) Goar, Sandi and Sean (Danielle); grandchildren, Keaton, Alaina (Matt), Dane, Jude, Katharina, Cole, Marlee, Decker, Eva, Seamus and Tessa; siblings, Wally, Pete (Helen), Gloria (Mel) Klitzke, Rose (Dave) Sergenian and Fran (Alan) Rademacher; in-laws, Norbert (Deb) Nellen, Herbert, Bob, Lorraine Gull, Aggie, Ruth (Dick) Webber, Anna (Tim) Larson and Angela Wagner.
Carl was preceded in death by his infant son, Patrick; his parents, Carl and Bertha; brother, Ron Storch; sister, Nancy Stewart; and several in-laws, including Sharon Storch, Faith Colleen “Tyke” Storch, Bill Gull, and Herman and Janice Nellen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH, ST. DENNIS CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026, with Father Michael Resop presiding, followed by a luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. A graveside service with military honors will be held at SACRED HEARTS OF JESUS AND MARY CEMETERY, 1001 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, at 2 p.m. on Friday.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to SSM Hospice for their compassionate home care. Deep gratitude is especially felt for Charlie and Blancha, who became more than caregivers-they became good friends to Carl.
Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420