A lifetime resident, Albert was born in Racine on September 8, 1922, to the late Achille and Lillian (nee: Toy) De Rango.On December 28, 1942, he was united in marriage with the true love of his life, Vera Ione Willis, who preceded him in death on October 15, 2003. Albert faithfully served our Country in WWII with the U.S. Navy from June 7, 1942, until December 10, 1946.
He was employed by JI Case Corp. from 1948 until he retired in 1983.
Albert was a long-time member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. Al was a master craftsman who built model circus wagons and carousels. He was active with the Model Circus Builders and Circus Historical Society in Baraboo. Al proudly travelled around to schools in Racine and Kenosha showing his extensive circus collection to children of all ages, with the Intergenerational Volunteer Club. He also enjoyed building birdhouses and squirrel feeders. Above all, Albert loved being in the surroundings of his entire family.
Surviving are his children, Kenneth (Gloria) DeRango of Aiken, S.C. and Carol (Gary Seal) De Rango of Racine; grandchildren, James (A.J.) Uminski, Laura Uminski, Michael DeRango, and Theresa (Richard) Nelson; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Waldron, Catherine Kirk, Jean Britton and Marlene Collins; brothers-in-law, Allen (Frances) Willis, Wilbur (Jo) Willis and Gordon Gates; Dan Christensen who visited daily to bring humor and companionship to him over the past many years; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Al’s 86th birthday on Monday, September 8, 2008, at 1 p.m. in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. A gathering to continue celebrating Al’s life will follow the cemetery service at Infusino’s Banquet Hall. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Robert M. Gullberg, Harbor House and Hospice Alliance for the compassionate care and support that was so generously offered in Dad’s time of need. Also, thanks to the volunteers of St. Paul the Apostle Church for the weekly visits that Dad looked so much forward to. God bless all of you!
Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory
4600 County Line Rd., Racine (262) 552-9000
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