The Schraufnagels are now playing accordion music in heaven. Gilbert A. Schraufnagel, age 83, joined his wife Lorraine on Friday, May 24, 2013 under the watchful eyes of his family. He was born on December 12, 1929 in Madison and was the son of Alois and Elizabeth (Wolf) Schraufnagel. The youngest of 7 Children, Gilbert raised turkeys and livestock on the family farm and worked as a carpenter for Spahn Enterprises and GMR Contractors. On June 7, 1952 he married his accordion teacher, Lorraine Betlach. Together they worked the farm and played music while raising a family of three. In their later years, Lorraine and Gilbert played together in an accordion drum ensemble. After 55 years of partnership, Lorraine left us suddenly on September 14, 2007.
In his last days Gilbert enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend, Judy Blood, going dancing and eating at the Sunshine Place in Sun Prairie. When his eyesight was better, he liked to build silverware chests, jewelry boxes and knick knack shelves.
He is survived by his children, Linda (Jim) Larson of Belleville, Debra (Bob) Updike of Sun Prairie, and Dennis (Diane) Schraufnagel of Adell. They have 8 grandchildren: Sophie Van Haren (Lindsay Larson), Bradley and Chelsey Larson; David Updike; Darrel, Dana, Darcy and Derrick Schraufnagel, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Lorraine Huetter and Bernice Grenas, and 2 brothers, Alex and Harold. His brother Victor and his sister Rosie, are still living.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 227 Columbus Street in Sun Prairie. Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt will preside. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery . A visitation will be held on Tueday, May 28, 2013 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. at the Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home 302 Columbus St. in Sun Prairie.