Roland Handel Sr.

Roland B. Handel Sr., age 78, longtime Waushara County Coroner, passed away Thursday, June 18, 2020 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Neenah.

He was born Sept. 30, 1941 in Chicago, IL  the son of Harry and Julie (Cygan) Handel.  He married the former Beverly J. (Kliss) Gustin on June 6, 1987 in Wautoma. She preceded him in death on April 10, 2020.

Rolly was a graduate of Wautoma High School and served his country in the National Guard from 1959 until 1967. He worked at Speed Queen in Wautoma for several years before becoming a mechanic at Lungwitz Garage in Redgranite and then the Ford Dealership in Wautoma. In 1974, he founded Horseless Carriage in Wautoma and operated it until his retirement in 2013.  Rolly was and EMT with Waushara County EMS for many years and served as Waushara County Coroner for 35 years.

He was an avid flying enthusiast and enjoyed flying his airplane for many years. Rolly also enjoyed woodworking and landscaping his yard. He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma where he attended mass daily.

He is survived by three sons, Christopher (Robin) Handel, Wautoma, Timothy (Amy) Handel, Wautoma and Patrick Handel, Wautoma; two stepsons, Greg (Diane) Gustin, Neshkoro, Dean (Pamela) Gustin, Hancock; daughter-in-law, Brenda Handel, Plymouth; grandchildren,  Megan (Eric) Vezina, Sydney Handel, Derek Handel, Kayla Klabunde, Luke Klabunde, Jennifer Kohlman,  Garrett (Mary) Handel,  Kaitlin Handel, Seth Handel, Tanner (fiancée Kaylee Dudek) Handel,  Brianna Handel, Paige and Payton Gustin; seven great grandchildren; two brothers, Harry (Shirley) Handel, Wautoma, Bruce Handel, Oshkosh;  one sister-in-law, Patricia Hoeft; two brothers-in-law,  Mark Kliss and Gary Kliss; He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sons, Roland B. Handel Jr. and Matthew Handel; his parents; and by his sister-in-law, Ione “Sam” Handel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Wautoma with Rev. David Greskowiak officiating. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery, Wautoma.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30th from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.  at Leikness Funeral Home in Wautoma.