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Andrew Peter "Andy" Traxel

Andrew Traxel Obituary

Traxel, Andrew Peter "Andy" Age 54. Lost his battle with cancer on Feb. 20, 2012, at Vitas Hospice. Andy was passionate about jazz music, fine food, motorcycles and fast cars. He spent 26 years as a mechanical engineer at Briggs and Stratton, and his pride in the company is evidenced by the many B&S powered machines in the garages of his friends and family. He graduated Wauwatosa West High School and UW-Madison. He was active in the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Wisconsin BMW Motorcycle Club. Andy is survived by the love of his life, Julie Jasinski; his mother Alice (Volkman) Traxel; his sisters, Katie Traxel of Kenosha and Amy (Andy) Dretzka of New Berlin. He was the beloved uncle of Emma and Ethan Dretzka, for whom he always had the right toy or gadget. He will be missed by the many Traxel, Volkman, Dretzka and Jasinski family members. Andy's loyal cadre of high school friends meant a great deal to him, and was an important source of strength for all of us. Andy was preceded in death by his father, Howard. Andy was happiest when sharing knowledge, and in that spirit, willed his body to the Medical College of Wisconsin for further study. Rather than an funeral, he requested that we throw a party, so, please join us in celebrating Andy's life on Sunday, March 11 from 4-7 PM at Sprecher Brewery, 701 West Glendale Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53209. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Andy's name to the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Jazz Institute, 1584 N Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202-6501, http://www.wcmusic.org or UW-Madison Mechanical Engineering, PO Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278, www.engr.wisc.edu/me The family is grateful to the healthcare staff at Froedert 4NW, the Cancer Center at Froedtert, Vitas Hospice and Drs. Jay Findling and Daniel Kelly for their care.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Traxel

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Ed Kolinske

March 6, 2012

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Andy's family for your loss. We all expected Andy to be with us for a lot longer. He was too young and he will be missed.

I worked with Andy in Application Engineering for the first 15 of his 25 years at Briggs & Stratton. Andy was always considered a very knowledgeable and capable engineer. Andy was the type of engineer I always wanted on my team. We didn't always see eye-to-eye, but I always valued and wanted to hear his perspective. He had a gift for seeing issues from different viewpoints, often considering consequences that others didn't. We made better team decisions because of Andy's insight.

Andy visited our department this past December on two occasions. The first time to let us know how he was doing and I will admit he did not look the same, but his distinct voice gave him away. It was great to see him after a long absence. He returned on December 23 for our annual Christmas lunch, which he never missed, and we were happy to see him there and he seemed to be doing remarkably well considering all that he had gone through. He sounded great and upbeat and talked about possibly returning to work soon. Very positive. Naturally when we heard about Andy being in hospice care, we couldn't believe that his condition had changed so quickly. I regret that I did not have a chance to see him and speak with him one more time. May he rest in peace.

Mike Cohen

March 4, 2012

The Wisconsin BMW Motorcycle Club will truly miss Andy as a friend and longtime member.

Everyone that knew Andy thought he was a terrific guy. He never hesitated to be a friend and to use his vast knowledge of motorcycle machinery to help others with repairs and tune-ups.

Jerry Jasinski

March 2, 2012

This member of the Jasinski family will certainly miss Andy. He was always a great guy to be around, and was generous, unselfish, and caring, for what he did for others.
He was supportive of Julie's neices and nephews activities. I think when I go to my son's little league game this summer, I may just "see" him sitting in the bleacher watching it with his camera ready.
I will miss the way he annunciated, so clearly, the name of the person that he spoke to and made them feel special.

Andy-Dress Up Day, St Joseph's Grade School, 1970

February 25, 2012

Jasinski Famiuly

February 24, 2012

Andy brought a great spirit to the many Jasinski gatherings he attended, he will be missed. Thanks for bringing joy to Julie's life, and for all the lives you've touched.

St. Joes pals' gathering, Dec. 2010

Jill Patterson

February 24, 2012

Deepest condolences to all. So glad we got to see Andy and Julie at our gathering, December, 2010. we'll so miss that perpetual smile and distinct voice of his but, we'll remember fondly. May your fond memories comfort you.
Jill Freeman Patterson, one of Andy's grade school class mates.

George Neary

February 24, 2012

I'm very sorry for your loss. I worked with Andy during his earlier years at Briggs. His wealth of knowlege as an Engineer benefited everyone he worked with. He spent many hours volunteering for Al's Run every year. I had the pleasure of working with him for several years on this on charity. He soon became the 'go to guy' for many events that he was involved with. I'll miss our discussions of restaurants and food in Milwaukee.

Dave Klis

February 24, 2012

I'm sad to see Andy go. He was a great help to me (and Toro Commercial) over many years. He touched many of our products.
Dave Klis
Director of technical Operations
The Toro Company

Julie Arneson

February 23, 2012

So sorry for your loss. It sounds as if Andy was a very lucky guy, having people who care about him so much. Wishing you all peace and comfort.
Julie Arneson Gosen, one of Andy's grade school class mates.

Kathleen Liebner

February 23, 2012

Dear Alice and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your son's death. Our thoughts are with you duirng this sad time. I am Kenneth (Mary Alice) Brunette's sister Kathy. I wanted to express our sorrow to you on behalf of Ken and Mary Alice. They would be so sad at Andrew's passing. They thought so much of your friendship. I would love to visit with you sometime when you are ready.
Dick and Kathy Liebner

Wayne Harrar

February 23, 2012

To the family of Andy:
I'm so sorry for your loss. I worked with Andy and I'm relatively new to B&S with 10 year tenure vs. Andy's 25. Andy was very helpful to me in sharing his wealth of knowledge. Living in VA, I did not get to share in Andy's many interests outside of work. But we always had fun sharing at trade shows and other events. He will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

February 22, 2012

I am so very sorry for your family. Amy, Katie, and Mrs. Traxel, you are all in our prayers. Karen Frey (Luebke)

February 22, 2012

Cousin Andy we will so miss your stories and your humor. It was always a joy to be with you. Claudia & Darryl Immel

Paul and Ruthann Rojahn

February 22, 2012

Oh Andrew, your passing is saddening. I remember connecting with you at some of the family functions. I also remember you reaching out and recognizing me one evening at a Wauwatosa bar on 116th and Bluemound Road. It was very close to my dad's home and it was the place many Wauwatosa West students tended to hang out. It was a nice little bar to meet friends at, such as you. That bar, unfortunately closed and the West gang moved over to the Tosa Inn at Hwy 100 and Potter Road. I also remember playing sheepshead with you at West. Even though you were a senior, and I was only a sophomore, you always helped me along. That was nice. You were always nice. I always looked forward to seeing you. Sadly, your passing takes that opportunity away. Goodbye my Cousin.

Our warmest condolences to your family. May your hearts and souls find peace and comfort in Andy's passing. With love,

February 22, 2012

So sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you all.
Pam Hanke

8th Grade graduation

Katie Traxel

February 22, 2012

Steve Kohlmann

February 22, 2012

Andy was one of my motorcycle buddies and it was always fun hearing his perspective on new & old models. We would troll the parking lot at 2 Wheel Tuesday and weigh the pro & cons of each model. One always had to be careful when asking him about recommended oil viscosity in engines – a topic he could definitely ‘go deep' on. We enjoyed riding up to Road America for the bike races (Andy would score free tickets from Briggs) and we'd spend the day walking the pits, eating brats and taking pictures. Then a brisk(!) ride home through the back roads of the Kettle Moraine. Fun stuff. I'm really going to miss him.

Steve Kopischke

February 22, 2012

The Tosa West class of 1975 has lost one of our best and brightest. I will miss catching up with him at our reunions.

Patty Jasinski

February 22, 2012

The most recent thing I learned from Andy sums it up: Monkeys can fly.

Jeri, Jack and Jeromy Moore

February 22, 2012

KT...and family. We are so saddened in your loss. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. hUUgs and love!

Andy & "the bike"

Julie Jasinski

February 22, 2012

Charlene Peachey Jana Morrison

February 22, 2012

So sorry to hear about your brother, Katie.

Barbie Orban

February 22, 2012

John's golf tournament will not be the same without you. Thank you for the memories;it was a honor to have known you.

Andy & Julie

Julie Jasinski

February 22, 2012

February 22, 2012

My cousin.Funny,caring,compassionate.You will be missed greatly.Pam and Ken White

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