Derwin Harmeling

Harmeling, Derwin "Dick" MADISON-Derwin "Dick" Harmeling, age 72, departed from this earth to the Lords loving hands on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center. He was born on Oct. 24, 1934, in Sheboygan, the third of five children born to Henry and Evelyn (Graven) Harmeling. Dick graduated from Cedar Grove High School in 1952. He then attended Stetson University in Deland, Fla. and then the University of Oshkosh, where he received his teaching degree. Dick married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Otte on April 23, 1955, in Cedar Grove. He enjoyed years in the teaching profession, before switching to the insurance industry. In 1969, the family moved to Madison, where Dick continued his career with American Family Insurance for 30 years, before retiring as Sales Training Director. Dick was actively involved in his church where he served for many years as Deacon, Elder, choir member and on a number of other volunteer committees. His greatest joy in life was time spent with family. His other passions included all things golf, playing cards, annual snowbird trips to Florida and baseball (stemming from his very short career with the St. Louis Cardinals minor league team). He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth; daughters, Susan (Steve) Smithson of Sun Prairie, Sheryl (John) Bell of DeForest and Laurel (Dan) Vanderlaan of Grand Rapids, Mich.; his treasured grandsons, Zachary, Justin and Joshua; step-grandchildren, Andrea and Andrew; sisters, Mary Kappers of Hingham and Joan (Earl) Herring of Brillion; brother, Don (Kathy) Harmeling of Watertown; and sister-in-law, Sally Harmeling of Sheboygan. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Benjamin; and brother-in-law, Harold Kappers. Funeral services will be held at CROSSROADS CHURCH, 3815 Dutchmill Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug 23, 2007, with the Rev. Doug Van Essen presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove. Lunch will be served afterwards at East Side Businessmens Association, 3735 Monona Drive, Monona. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug 22, 2007 and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dicks memory may be made to Oakwood Foundation or Crossroads Church. The family wishes to thank all of the staff at HospiceCare Inc. for the love and care they provided to Dick.