March 3, 2020 – West Bend, WI – Alphonse Leo Walber (Al), born April 15, 1925, in Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin to Germaine (Abler) Walber and Joseph Walber, died on February 27, 2020, surrounded by members of his loving family.
Al was a devoted husband to his late wife Marion; loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; loyal friend; and a man dedicated to serving his church and community. His feisty attitude and quick wit will be sorely missed. We hold him close in our hearts with the kindness and empathy he showed us and those around him.
Al and Marion (nee Weitekamp) were married June 13, 1959, settling in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where Al was an optician. While there they were blessed with a son and two daughters, and numerous neighborhood, church, and work friends. In 1972 Al and Marion moved to West Bend, Wisconsin, where they were again blessed with many friends through work, church, and the Knights of Columbus. During that time, Al served as Grand Knight of the Father Caspar Rehrl Council 1964 in West Bend (1982-84), was on the Second Degree team, served on the Columbian Board, was voted Knight of the Month several times, and served in numerous other capacities for many years. Al and Marion were also involved in numerous parish activities at St. Frances Cabrini and, later, at Holy Angels Catholic Church in West Bend. In 2008 Al and Marion moved to St. Catherine’s Village, Madison, Mississippi, to be near family. Al made many friends in these past years who became particularly important to him after Marion died in 2014.
In addition to his loving wife, Al was also preceded in death by his infant son, Richard, as well as other family members and many dear friends. Al is survived by daughters LeAnn (Luke) Nealey (Ridgeland, Mississippi) and Jean Opitz (West Bend, Wisconsin); granddaughter Melissa (Andrew) Meschke (Stevens Point, Wisconsin); grandson Jacob Opitz; great-granddaughter, Ellie Meschke; numerous nieces and nephews; and friends, old and new.
Services will be held on Monday, March 9, 2020, at Holy Angels Catholic Church, West Bend, Wisconsin. Visitation is from 10:30 a.m. to noon, with a Knights of Columbus prayer service at approximately 11:45. Mass of Christian Burial at noon. Following lunch, internment will be in Washington County Memorial Park at 2:30.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gallant Hearts Guide Dog Center, 131 Red Fox Lane, Madison, MS 39110.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family.
