Obituary of John Malcolm Astell

JOHN "JACK" MALCOLM ASTELL, age 91, of Jefferson passed away on September 13, 2014 at Heritage Homes in Watertown. He was born to John and Winifred (Woodring) Franklin and later adopted by Joseph Astell. Jack is a WWII veteran having served in England, France, and Germany in the United States Army with the 101st General Hospital. He returned after the war to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied journalism. Working at the family owned Maxmillian House restaurant at Jefferson Junction he renewed his acquaintance with his high school sweetheart Mary Schiferl when a late train required him to drive her home. Jack and Mary wed on September 16, 1950 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jefferson. John and Mary were married for 64 years. One of their proudest accomplishments was having raised 10 children. Jack was employed at Carnation Co. and then at Borg Textiles in Jefferson. He transitioned to life as a farmer and ran the family homestead popcorn farm, after taking it over from his father in-law Harry Schiferl. He loved golf, worked as a caddy in Madison as a young boy, and enjoyed playing the game his whole life. He was an avid bowler and frequently attended Badger sporting events. A member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, as well as the American Legion Post 164 Reinhardt Windl of Jefferson, he participated actively in the community. He will be deeply missed by his family: Wife Mary of Watertown; Daughters Sr. Dr. Anna Astell of Notre Dame, Indiana, Mary (Rich) Zore of Brookline, New Hampshire, Barbara (Tom) Nelson of Monticello, WI., Faith (Roger) Albert of Plymouth WI, Sons John Astell of Deforest; James (Debra) Astell of Jefferson; William Astell of Jefferson; Benjamin Franklin of Whitewater; Luke (Stephanie) Astell of Leavenworth, WA; 13 grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. He is further preceded in death by one son Paul Astell, and one step-sister Betty Franklin Birkholz. Memorial Mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at 12:00 noon on Wednesday September 17, 2014 with the Rev. Thomas Coyle officiating. At John's request his body was donated to the University of Wisconsin; burial of ashes will be held at a later date. A celebration of Jack's life at the Church on Wednesday will begin at the church with the Holy Rosary at 10:00 a.m. Visitation to follow until the time of Mass. Memorials may be directed to: Wisconsin Right to Life,,9730 W. Bluemound Rd., Suite 200 Milwaukee, WI 53226 http://wrtl.org/contribute/ Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary W284 N698 Cherry Ln. Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 542-4384 Rainbow Hospice, 147 W. Rockwell Street Jefferson, WI 53549 Phone: (920) 674-6255 Visit www.schneidermichaelisfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or light a candle in his memory.