On Sept. 6, 1929, Alvin P. Klitzke was born to William and Edna (Schrank) Klitzke in Reedsburg.

Upon completion of eighth grade, he went to work for Hermie and Liz Dorow for six years on their farm.

He was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War and during this time his father passed away and his mother shortly thereafter. He was honorably discharged from the service, after which he worked for Don and Phyllis Selle farming. On Oct. 22, 1955, he was wed to Victorien "Vicky" Wilkinson. After their marriage, they farmed in rural Mazomanie until 1957. They moved to Reedsburg and farmed there until 1966. They then moved to Baraboo where he farmed the rest of his life.

Al semi-retired in 1993, and around this time became very active in bowling, horseshoes, and spending time in Joey and Gregg’s shops. He loved to fish, hunt, play cards, and spend time with his grandkids. He dearly loved his polka music. He was a trustee at the local Elks Lodge and headed the Waiters Club for many years. He was also a member of the Badger Steam and Gas Club, and an active member of American Legion Post 26, where he served as Commander and a member of the Honor Guard. He was known by many as "Pops." He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he served as an usher for many years. All he ever wanted to do was farm. He will be sadly missed by his loving family and his many friends and neighbors.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Vicky, of 54 years; his daughter, Bonnie and Charles Eastman of Madison; his son, Joey Klitzke of Baraboo; and his son, Gregg and Terry (Birch) Klitzke of Baraboo; five grandchildren, Amanda (William) Schmidt, Scott (Corrin) Maier, Casey Klitzke, Maverick Klitzke, and Tristen Klitzke; and four great-grandchildren, Connor and Natalie Schmidt and Owen and Addison Maier. He is also survived by his brother, William and Evaline Klitzke; his sister, Lorna and Maurice Slaney; his sister, La Vera and Marlan Craker, all of Reedsburg; and his brother, Rupert and Delores Klitzke of Janesville; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Elaine Newbury of Brown Deer.

Funeral services for Al will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 727 Eighth Street in Baraboo, with Pastors Deb and Steve Ohrtman officiating.

Burial will follow in the Walnut Hill Cemetery where military rites will be provided by the Baraboo Veterans Honor Guard. Friends may call on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave. in Baraboo and at the church on Monday, from 10 a.m. until the time of services. There will be an Elks service at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 727 Eighth Street, Baraboo, WI 53913.

The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at UW Hospital Neurology ICU for their loving care.