Al "Firkey" Firkus

Al Firkus, age 95, of Custer died Saturday October 4, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Alfred was under the care of his family and Ministry Home Care Hospice.

Al was born June 18, 1919 in the Town of New Hope, WI, the son of the late Frank and Mary (Brilowski) Firkus.

He entered the US Army on September 5, 1942 in Milwaukee. He was a Surgical Technician – 3 in World War II. Was in the New Guinea, Luzon battle. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Meritorious Unit Award. Received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal; Philippine Liberation Ribbon with One Bronze Star; Five Overseas Service Bars; Lapel Button Issued. He was honorably discharged December 22, 1945.

His marriage to Carol Glodowski took place on May 28, 1949 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Fancher. The couple had recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with family and friends. She survives.

He worked at numerous jobs in Beaver Dam, WI before entering in service. Al worked for Northwest Liquor Company for 26 years as a truck driver. After his retirement he worked part-time for the Stevens Point Country Club for 38 years, Al always took pride in believing he was the oldest man in the State of WI to still collect unemployment.

Al was fortunate to be part of the September 24, 2012 Never Forgotten Honor Flight Program, he was very proud to have served his country. The family would also like to thank Mr. Jeff Bottensek for accompanying Al on his flight there and back. Al was awarded the Michael Kruger award by the Stevens Point Country Club which was a great source of pride for him. He was a member of the American Legion Post 6 and the Catholic Order of Foresters.

Al was always one to make everyone laugh with his off the wall comments and humorous jokes that would make people laugh until their stomachs hurt. He enjoyed keeping an immaculate yard and beautiful flowers. He also enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, playing cards; going up north each summer with family; and watching his grandchildren's sporting events. He was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewer fan. He enjoyed visiting the local establishments participating in football, racing and baseball pools. Al was a great man and a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carol; daughter, Kathy (Tom) Fields of Custer. Grandsons, Justin (Jerica Hurd) Firkus of Rosholt and Jaron (Kelly Doris) Firkus of Plover; granddaughters, Melissa (TC) Boyd of Fitchburg, Stephanie (Benjamin Keough) Fields of Stevens Point, Amy and Shelby Fields of Custer; three sisters, Evelyn Karch of Plover, Bernie Glodowski of Rosholt and Toni Hintz of Manawa. He was preceded in death by two sons, Michael and John; four sisters, Esther, Grace, Agnes and Eleanor; and three brothers, Stanley, Ben and Lawrence Firkus.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Church in Custer. Rev. Jude Dioka officiating. Burial with full military honors to follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm Tuesday October 7 at Pisarski/Dzikoski funeral home at 703 Second St. in Stevens Point, and from 9:30 am until the time of services Wednesday morning at St Mary's Immaculate Conception Church, Custer. Catholic Order of Foresters will combine with a rosary at 7:00 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers a memorial in his name will be established at a later date.

For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

Al's family wishes to extend a thank you to the staffs at St. Michael's Hospital and Ministry Hospice for the care and comfort they provided. To Dr. Richard Mercier & Dr. Patricia Lillis and the staff in the oncology dept. in Stevens Point. Also thanks to Father Jude and Al's friends and neighbors for their prayers, calls and visits.