Edward J. Pingel, 89 of Wilton, died Monday, July 23, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 15, 1922 to Edward C. and Elisa “Lizzie (Gerke) Pingel on the home farm in the town of Wilton. He attended the Sunny Ridge Country School. On June 15, 1946, Ed was united in marriage to Ruth Wilson at St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, on June 15, 1946. She preceded him in death on May 9, 2006. Together they farmed on the Pingel family farm for over 60 years. The farm has been in the Pingel name since 1863. He was a hard worker and enjoyed farming especially in the fall of the year during combining time. Edward hauled milk for several years; he also worked at the Wilton Co op, and in his later years as a groundskeeper for the Hiawatha Golf Course. He enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Brewers and Western movies. He enjoyed Polka music and going to Polka dances. He was a lifelong faithful member of St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church, and was a former member of the church council, and a member of the Men’s Club. He was a member of the Monroe County Guernsey Breeders, and a member of the Senior Center, when he would winter in Florida, he was a member of the Sunny Ridge School Board, and served as the treasurer for the Township of Wilton. He had a great sense of humor and was known for pulling pranks on his co workers. Ed was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his children Cheryl Pingel of MacClenny, FL, Darrell (Colleen) Pingel of Kendall, Ron (Rosie) Pingel, Gary (Dawn) Pingel, both of Wilton, and Elisa “EJ” (Tom) Powell of Tomah, 11 grandchildren, Dustin (Molly) Powell, Daron (Samantha) Pingel, Bobbie (Dan) Nading, Brendan (special friend Nicole Gilbertson) Pingel, Tuesday (Ty Eness) Pingel, Cody Pingel, Jesse Pingel, Willow Rose Pingel, Angela Ziebell, Brandon Ziebell and Jasmine Pingel, 7 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Toby, Hayley, Cayden, Parker, Hudson, and Aubrey, a sister-in-law Joan Hudson of Whiting, IN, many other nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth, and several brothers, and sisters.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, July 26, 2012, 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Tomah. Pastor Curt S. Backhaus will officiate. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah and at the church on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Online condolences may be given at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Brock Millet and the staff at the Mayo Healthcare system – Lacrosse for their fine care of Edward.