Al received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dominican College in 1970, and while pursuing his education he worked various jobs. Al taught art classes at Raymond School, before becoming employed at JI Case. He was an active union member, serving as union steward, safety committee person and held numerous other positions in UAW Local 180. In 1982, he served as Community Services Labor Liaison of Racine Area United Way. In 1990, he returned to Case and retired in 1992. Al remained active with the Local 180 retirees, holding various positions until his death.
He was also committed to social justice issues and was one of the founders of the Health Care Network. In 1999, he was voted Labor Person of the Year. Al was also very active at Emmanuel Lutheran Church serving in voice choir, greeting, ushering and food pantry volunteer. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, he also committed himself to Parkinson support and exercise groups and became facilitator of the Racine group.
On October 28, 2001, Al was united in marriage to the former June Molbeck. They would have celebrated their tenth anniversary next month. Al was an accomplished artist, whose work has been displayed at Wustum Art Museum, Racine Historical Museum and Racine Choral Arts Society programs. He enjoyed carving, painting and sketching. Al was an avid fisherman and held several world fishing records. After his retirement, he spent Friday mornings with dear friends, Karel and Danny, fishing around Racine and Kenosha area lakes and rivers.
Al is survived by his wife, June; brother, John; sister, Sally Harmsen; daughter, Sherry Hartog and her husband Ron Berger; son, Kenneth Hartog and wife Sharna; grandchildren Scott Dix, Jr.(Marie), Morgan Dix (Coral Lindloff), Christina Hartog (Mike DeMay) and Joshua Stoll; his first great-grandson, Xavier DeMay; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, too many to count.
In addition, survivors include his wife's sister, Shirley (Evert) Carlson; brother, Richard (Mary) Green; June's children, Todd (Monica) Molbeck, Mike Molbeck, Kevin (Marcie) Molbeck, Kipp (Stephanie) Molbeck, Janis (Joe) Dye, Jill (Dale) Tomalin; as well as grandchildren, Jenni and Jeff (Kacie) Dye, Bennett, Emma and Stella Tomalin, Adam (Ashley) Molbeck; and great-grandson, Dathon Dye; as well as nieces, nephews and other relatives. Aside from his parents and former wife, Al was preceded in death by two sisters, Patricia and Marilee; grandson, Joshua Dix; and nephew, David Harmsen
Visitation will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 725 High St., Racine, on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, from 9 - 11 a.m. with a Memorial Service following immediately with Rev. Susan K. Smith officiating. Private interment will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. The family would like to invite those who wish to wear a hat of any kind in Al's honor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Health Care Network or Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
No comments:
Post a Comment