Obituary: Albert Russell Duell

MADISON - Albert Russell Duell, age 83, passed away on March 26, 2008. He was born in Eagle Tip, Wis. on August 12, 1924. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita and a son, Michael Joseph. Albert attended Central High School in Madison. Albert was a decorated World War II Naval veteran. He enlisted in the Navy in June of 1942, and served his country in the Naval Armed Guard from July 1942 until December 1943. He participated in the torch landings in North Africa. In 1944, he was transferred to the regular Navy and given the rank of Coxswain aboard the newly commissioned Destroyer Escort USS Kyne, assigned to Division 32 of the 3rd Fleet. He was awarded the Presidential Citation for the liberation of the Philippines and was involved in all major offensives on the road to Tokyo, where he remained until the signing of the surrender agreement. He was honorably discharged from the Navy, with the rank of Boatswains Mate Second class, in December of 1945. Albert returned to Madison and married Rita Marie Wachter on July 17, 1948. Albert worked for the Shappe Pontiac dealership from 1962 until it was purchased by Don Miller in 1981, and continued there until his retirement in 2002. Albert was a grand salesman and received Salesman of the Year awards year after year. He loved selling cars and met many of his friends that way. Albert was an avid golfer and spent his retirement golfing. When he wasn't on the course, he was watching it on television. He is survived by his five children, Carol Ann Manley of Madison, Thomas Albert of Madison, Kathryn Lynn Duell of Fitchburg, Jean Marie (Dennis) Fawcett of Madison and John (Amanda) Francis of Madison; nine grandchildren, Caroline, Brenda, Michael, Steven, Jackie, Julie, Anthony, Jennifer and Matthew; and two great-grandchildren, Dominick and Isabella. A visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2008, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 31, 2008, at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1128 St. James Court, Madison, with a visitation held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will full military honors will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to HospiceCare Foundation, Inc.
Dad, we will miss you terribly. You certainly were part of the "Greatest Generation". Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on March 29, 2008