LaMonte M. “Bud” Herpel

PORTAGE  --  LaMonte M. “Bud” Herpel, age 83, of Portage, died on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at Tivoli in Portage. 

Bud was born on March 6, 1931 in Richland Center, the son of Harley and Wanda (Miller) Herpel.  He married Shirley Wrightsman on April 14, 1951.  Bud served his country in the United States Army National Guard for 42 years, retiring with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer IV.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows in Portage where he served in various officer positions.  He enjoyed being secretary of the Odd Fellows bowling league for many years.  After retirement, Bud’s skill with carpentry work was put to use performing remodeling jobs, large & small.  He especially enjoyed making scroll saw ornaments and plaques for family and friends.  He was also active building his own model railroad layouts and scenery.  Bud also enjoyed his daily visits to the Levee restaurant.

Bud is survived by his wife Shirley Herpel of Portage; his sons, David (Evi) Herpel of Portage, and Mike (Darcy Miller) of Pullman, WA; daughter, Jill (Mark) Sebek of Watertown; grandchildren, Jackie (Bob) Roppel, Scott and Paul Herpel, Levi Miller Herpel; brothers, Roger and Howard (Dixie) Herpel, other relatives and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Virginia Murray, sister Donna Foley, brothers-in-law Tom Foley & Bruce Wrightsman and sister-in-law Edith Wrightsman.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW Hall, 215 W. Collins St., Portage, WI on Tuesday, July 8th from 4 to 8pm.  Private family inurnment, with military honors, will be held at a later date at Silver Lake Cemetery.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank St. Judes & Comfort Care Hospices, Divine Savior Hospital & Tivoli Nursing Home for all their medical & spiritual support & assistance to Bud & his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bud’s name and sent to the Portage Oddfellows, IOOF Wauona 132, 130 W. Conant St., Portage, WI 53901, for their annual high school scholarship.