Elmer Sowatzke

Sowatzke, Elmer Neal MADISON - Elmer Neal Sowatzke, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the Peter and Ellen Johnson HospiceCare Center. He was born on Sept. 22, 1924, in Milwaukee, the son of Herman and Catherine Sowatzke. Neal was united in marriage to Mary Louise Ellestad on Oct. 19, 1974, at Hope Lutheran Church, Madison. After high school graduation, he began a 30 plus year career at Rexnord Inc., Milwaukee. Neal began as a draftsman, detailing heavy road machinery, cement mixers in particular. Upon retirement in 1982, he was an administrator of mechanical engineering records. He was a life long member of the Wisconsin Wheelchair Bowling Association, a charter member of the Wisconsin Wawbeek Associated Activity Club and a devoted volunteer with Easter Seals, the Fair Housing Council and Equal Opportunities Commission of Madison. A sports enthusiast, he was a faithful fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Badgers, through successful and lean years. Neal enjoyed traveling, photography, developing pictures, playing cards, especially euchre, sheepshead, bridge and cribbage. He was a role model for positive thinking, enthusiastically enjoying lifes good times and confronting lifes obstacles with determination and innovation. Always a loving, devoted husband, Neal treasured his family and many friends and will long be remembered by all who loved him. Neal is survived by his loving wife, Mary; a sister, Charlotte Bruener; a brother, Milton (Louise) Sowatzke; mother-in-law, Irene Ellestad; sisters-in-law, Lucille Sowatzke, and Mary Jane Sowatzke; several wonderful nieces and nephews; and his faithful toy poodle companion, Tinselle Twister Delight. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Elaine Bierman; brothers, Kenneth and Ronald; an infant brother, Roger; two brothers-in-law, James Bruener and John Bierman; and his father-in-law, Wilbert Ellestad. A memorial service will be held at the OAKWOOD EAST TREE OF LIFE CHAPEL, 5565 Tancho Drive, off American Parkway, Madison, at 1 p.m., on Monday, May 7, 2007, with the Rev. Doug Locken presiding. After the service, family and friends may gather in the Prairie Rose Inn at Oakwood East, for dining and fellowship.