Harold Edward "Hal" Topel died on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at his home in Sarasota, FL at the age of 80.  Born July 3, 1936 in Kenosha, WI, he was the oldest son of the late Margaret M. and Harold C. Topel.

On October 20, 1956, he married Alice E. Topel, who preceded him in death November 9, 1997.

Hal was the loving husband of Barbara Rourke-Topel; beloved dad of Kirk (Annmarie) Topel and Kim (Michael) Griest; step-dad of Jeffrey Jackl and Michael (Molly) Jackl; proud grandpa of Ali King, Schuyler and Wyatt Topel and Liam, Logan and Quinlin Jackl; and dear brother of Gib Topel of Bradenton, FL and Sharon Bredek of Cape Coral, FL.

Hal was a graduate of Kenosha Bradford High School and attended Drake University. He started his career in the automobile business with his father in Burlington, WI, and later in Kenosha at Topel AMC/Rambler, ultimately operating Hals Auto Sales.

A life-long motorcycle advocate, he purchased the Harley-Davidson dealership in New Berlin, WI in April 1978.  Hal’s Harley-Davidson became synonymous with Milwaukee and legendary as a welcome respite for motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe.  It was a place where lifelong friendships were created.

Along with his son, he opened and operated Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc from 1994 until 2009.  The New Berlin dealership was sold June 2016.  Throughout his tenure, Hal’s HD was recognized by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company for numerous national sales, service and promotion awards.

Hal lived a life of service and was very active in the local community and supported many charitable causes. A past president of the Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha, he rallied attention to Muscular Dystrophy since 1979 and was a frequent visitor to MDA camp on his Harley.

A devoted family man, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, he touched the lives of many and will surely be missed. There will be a celebration of life for friends in Sarasota, Florida this fall.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home (12401 W. National Ave., New Berlin, WI) on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM.  Additional visitation is on Saturday, May 6 from 9:00AM to 10:00AM, with a Celebration of Hal’s Life set to begin at 10:00AM. Burial is to follow at Highland Memorial Park.