Obituary of Neal Burkle

Neal Burkle of Waunakee, WI was called to his heavenly home on January 29, 2015. Visitation will be held at Winn-Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, WI on Sunday, February 1st from 1-4 pm where guests are invited to record their favorite memory of Neal on a 3x5 index card and bring it to the visitation for the family to cherish in the difficult days ahead. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. John's in Waunakee on Monday, February 2nd at 11:00 with visitation from 10 am to 11 am at the church. A memorial service will also be held on Saturday, February 7 from 3-7 at Kramer Funeral Home in Dyersville, IA. Please view a complete obituary at www.cressfuneralservice.com <http: www.cressfuneralservice.com="" /> or www.kramerfuneral.com <http: www.kramerfuneral.com="" /> Neal was born to Walter and Verna (Honkomp) Burkle on Sept. 3, 1963. He grew up on the family farm in Dyersville, IA with his 12 siblings. When asked his position in the family, he always answered that he "put them in double-digits!" That was characteristic of Neal's personality - rarely giving a conventional answer and always with a twist of dry humor. Neal graduated from Beckman High School and Indian Hills Community College where he earned a degree in computer maintenance. Neal later received his bachelor's degree in business from Lakeland College. He worked for Digital Equipment Corp for 8 years and always enjoyed the annual reunions with his former co-workers. In 1991, Neal began working for Pepsi, most recently as their IT Director. On May 25, 1985 Neal married his high school sweetheart, Judy (Gudenkauf). They began their married life in Madison, WI and later moved to Waunakee in 1995. Together they proudly raised Libby and Zach. "Family first" was more than a clich&eacute; for Neal - he lived it every day as a caring husband and devoted father. Neal was quiet, gentle giant of a man. He was a kid at heart and always took time for fun. He coached both of his kids' youth sports teams, taking particular pleasure in coaching basketball. His coaching touched the lives of many youth in Waunakee. Neal also enjoyed all aspects of golf, especially helping Zach develop his game. Neal loved to play basketball and played "barn ball" while growing up on the farm. Although farm chores kept him from playing in high school, the Indian Hills coach was quick to recruit him to the college team where he earned all-conference honors each year he played. Upon moving to Madison, Neal played for the iconic Henry Busch on the Busch Leaguer's team for many years. The friendships made during his basketball years endured well beyond his playing days as the guys transitioned to golf and enjoyed several golf trips to Arizona. Neal was unpretentious in all aspects of his life. He wanted for nothing and always put others needs before his, including during the course of his illness. Neal was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. John the Baptist Church where he served on the parish council and volunteered at the school. In addition to his wife and children, Neal is survived by his parents, Walter and Verna Burkle and his siblings Mary Ann (Dick) Recker, Linda (Norm) Chambers, Elaine (Dave) Schieltz, Donna (Dave) Riniker, Mark (Karla), Glen (Kathy), Earl (Barb), Marv (Diane), Merle (Pam), Karla (Wayne) Dille, Bill (Wendy), and Lee (Michelle). He is also survived by his in-laws, Jim and Sharon Gudenkauf and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Neal was preceded in death by his grandparents Paul and Anna Burkle, Lawrence and Margaret Honkomp and step-grandmother Regina Honkomp. The family would like to thank the medical team at UW Hospital &amp; Clinics and Agrace HospiceCare who cared for Neal. They also express their gratitude to family, friends and the Waunakee and Dyersville communities for their compassionate support during Neal's illness. A brain tumor journey is difficult, but the people that were brought into their lives because of it have been amazing. There is something good to be found in everything. In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations will be disbursed to Neal's favorite charities. We are blessed with the assurance that this is not the end; we will see you again one day.