GERALD "JUG" GREGORY NOEL

December 13, 1923 - August 4, 2018

Gerald “Jug” Gregory Noel, 94, of Caledonia, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday, August 4th at Mayo Clinic Health System – Franciscan Healthcare, La Crosse, WI. Gerald was born December 13, 1923 at the family farm east of Freeburg to Herbert and Clara (Link) Noel. He attended the District 45 Country School through 8th grade and then attended Caledonia High School for 2 years. PFC Noel was drafted into the United States Army in September of 1944. He served on Okinawa and finished his tour of duty with the 7th Infantry Division in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Gerald was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 1 Bronze Battle Star, Victory Medal, Army of Occupation Medal-Japan, 3 Oversees Service Bars, Bronze Star, and Good Conduct Medal. On May 15, 1952 he married Rita Krueger at St. Peter’s Church in Caledonia. They had 4 children; Sharon (Dean) Frank of Caledonia, Mike Noel (deceased), Carol (Loren) Lapham of Caledonia and Sue (Joe) Palen of Rochester. He was a beloved Uncle and guardian to the twelve nieces and nephews in the Goetzinger family following the death of his sister. Gerald is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Rita. Daughters, Sharon, Carol and Sue and their husbands, Dean, Loren and Joe; seven grandchildren, Sara (Dave) Tessmer, Caledonia, Michael (Jennifer) Frank, Rochester, Kristina (friend Michael) Hauser, Caledonia, Katelynn (Keegan) Buchholtz, Anamosa, IA, Clare, Elyse and Joseph Palen, Rochester; and 12 great-grandchildren, Madisyn, Makalya, Jayden & Brevyn Tessmer, Nolan, Isaac & Miles Frank, Marley & Ezra Sherbon, Kalan, Kohyn & Kynlee Buchholtz and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Mike and grandson, Alan Hauser, his parents, mother and father in law, Mary and Ervin Krueger, sisters and brother in laws, Lorraine & Clarence Hingsberger and Mary (Honey) & Omar Goetzinger. Gerald spent 19 years as a heavy equipment operator and 34 years as a Foreman for Road Constructors in Rochester, MN before retiring at age 82! He enjoyed spending time with his family, coffee in the mornings at Elsie’s visiting and playing cards with the men of the “round table” and watching the MN Twins and Vikings. Gerald was a 70 year member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW and Knights of Columbus. He has served as honor guard at many celebrations and been a part of the military honors provided for veteran’s funerals. Since his father passed away in 1971, he has proudly placed flags at the St. Nicholas Cemetery in Freeburg on Veteran’s graves for Memorial Day. He was a soft spoken, humble and well-respected man who lived 94 full years. He will be missed by many. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August, 9th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Caledonia. Father Robert Horihan and Father Stephen Abaukaka will concelebrate and burial, with military honors, will be at St. Nicholas Cemetery, Freeburg, MN. The Rosary will be at 3:30 p.m.with visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 8th at St. Mary’s Holy Family Hall and one hour prior to service at the church on Thursday.