R. Udell

R.FOSTER UDELL passed away at age 89 on Friday August 24, 2012 in LaCrosse, WI. He was born October 15, 1922 to Roy and Jessie (Foster) Udell of Fall River, Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from January 1943 through March 1946. He was in the Signal Corps, landing on Okinawa on Day 4 of that encounter. He served in the occupation of Korea after the end of the war. On August 8, 1948 he and Carolyn Plumb were married in Beloit, WI. They have four children: Richard (Neuza Porto) of New York, David (Diantha Clark) of New Jersey, Kathleen (Scot) Samelstad of Roberts, WI, and John[Jack] (Amanda Strosahl) of La Crosse. They raised their children in Sun Prairie, WI, retiring later to a home on Upper Springstead Lake in their beloved northwoods. Foster graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1951 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He worked for the Ray-O-Vac Corporation for 35 years in the Madison Corporate offices. He was Director of Government Contracts involving specialty batteries for unique situations. While a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Madison he served as state chairman of the safety committee, taking personal satisfaction in his work to bring automobile safety belts into normal usage. For many years Foster was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Sun Prairie, transferring his energies for his Lord to the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church after moving north. Foster enjoyed designing and building, be it additions to their homes or his HO railroad layout. In addition to his wife of 64 years and their four children, Foster is survived by eight grandchildren (Tom, Nick, and Kaelyn Samelstad, Ashlen and Nathanael Udell, Claire, Hannah and Richard Udell) and 2 great-grandchildren (Kaedynce Coogan and Riyan Samelstad). He is also survived by his brothers, Jon (Susan), and Gerry (Karen) and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. It is a supportive and loving family in total, for which Foster was always grateful. A celebration of the life of Foster will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012 at the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be there at 10am. The 11am service will be followed by a luncheon and gathering time at the church. Memorials may be given to the Manitowish Waters Community Presbyterian Church, donating to their Christmas For Kids program, or to an organization of your choosing.

R. Udell

October 15, 1922 - August 24, 2012