Alton Emil Demel

Alton Emil Demel, 94, of Schulenburg, passed away on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. He was born on Nov. 18, 1926 in High Hill to Emil and Emilie Blaschke Demel and was married to Hilda Belcik Demel, his loving wife for over 70 years.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda; daughters Deborah Huebel (Larry) and Sharon Demel; sons Perry Demel (Tracy) and Kevin Demel; and sister-in-law Lois Demel. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Kimberly Tapia (Robert), Kenneth Huebel, Nathan Demel, Megan Demel, Mara Tyrone (Ryan), Mason Demel and Maggie Demel. He is survived by three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Tapia, Emily Tapia and Robert Tapia. Numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Erhard Demel; and sisters Valeria Demel, Leona Kainer, Olivia Krischke, Pauline Burley, Wilhelmina Ulrich and Emilie Cernosek.

Rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated by Father Tim Kosler at St Mary Catholic Church in High Hill on Monday, Dec. 21, 2020. Interment with military honors took place in the High Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers were Larry Huebel, Kenneth Huebel, Nathan Demel, Robert Tapia, Leroy Krischke, and Ryan Tyrone.

Alton served on board the escort carrier USS Rudyerd Bay in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He retired from Gulf Oil Corporation where he worked for over 30 years. After retirement he and Hilda moved to their farm in High Hill.

In his free time Alton enjoyed playing cards and dominoes. Tarocks was his favorite game. He also liked to garden and tend his cattle.

Alton attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in High Hill and was a member of the St. Joseph Society. He also was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.