Allan "Al" Bleser, 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 11, 2025 with his family by his side.

Al was known for his warm charisma and effortless charm. His easygoing nature drew people to him, and he had a way of making everyone feel at home in his presence.

Born in 1934 in Manitowoc, Al began his education at Holy Innocents Elementary School and later attended Lincoln High School, where he stood out as a star athlete in both basketball and baseball. He earned a full four-year basketball scholarship to St. Norbert College in De Pere. Al earned his bachelor's degree in biology. While still in college, he was invited to try out for the Milwaukee Braves baseball team. After two strong showings, the coach asked him to return once more to see how he handled a curve ball. But at the request of his parents and with a deep sense of responsibility, Al made the decision to finish college instead of interrupting college for a professional baseball career.

After graduating in 1956, Al was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army through the ROTC program. He was stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where he worked with a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) unit, managing field hospital training. He also served as athletic director, overseeing the base's baseball teams.

While at St. Norbert, Al met the love of his life, Joan Turriff, at a local bowling alley. They married on December 29, 1956, at St. Boniface Catholic Church, De Pere while he was home on leave. They reunited in San Antonio when Joan completed her teaching year. Their partnership and love endured for over five decades.

After completing his military service, Al began his professional career as a sales rep with Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in Appleton. During his ten years with Upjohn, he was honored with a national Distinguished Salesman Award — one of only two given annually in the U.S.

In 1967, Al was promoted and moved with his family to Minneapolis. In 1968, he returned to Wisconsin and joined Green Bay Kitchen Mart, helping builders with sales and kitchen design. Al later served as an Alderperson on the Green Bay City Council, giving back to the community he called home. He spent the final chapters of his career selling medical supplies with General Medical. Post-retirement Al helped with the sales program at ENCHEM, an environmental laboratory founded by his brother-in-law.

Al loved his cherished cottage on Pine Lake in northern Wisconsin. It was where he taught his children, and later his grandchildren, how to fish. He instilled in them a love for the outdoors that will last their lifetimes. Summers at the lake were filled with hours of fishing, swimming, birdwatching, laughter, campfires, loons.

The annual deer camp at Pine Lake with his best friend and brother-in-law Butch, was a sacred tradition. Al often recalled jumping into Butch's van with ABBA blasting from the radio — a simple but unforgettable memory that brought him joy for years.

During their retirement years, he and Joan enjoyed many wonderful winters together on Marco Island, Florida.

Al adored and was very proud of his grandchildren and looked forward to every visit and he loved talking about sports and hearing about their jobs, taking them fishing, and going out to eat together. Al cherished their phone calls, always eager to hear what was going on in their lives. He loved going to their sporting events-always cheering them on from the sidelines.

Al lived a life of quiet strength, unwavering integrity, and deep love for his family. His legacy will live on through the stories, values, and memories he shared with all who knew him.

Al spent his final days at Eagle Point Senior Living in Appleton. His family will be forever grateful to the dedicated caretakers who went above and beyond in their compassion and exceptional care for him. They didn't just care for Al — they truly loved him. Many came to say goodbye with tears in their eyes, some even brought flowers. To these young individuals, Al was more than a resident, he was like a grandfather, always ready with a kind word, or an understanding ear, and bits of life wisdom that touched their hearts and helped guide them in their own journeys.

He is survived by his children, Cathy Bleser and her husband, Dan Krunnfusz, Spring Green; Jim Bleser, Appleton; Julie Bleser and her husband, Doug Clausen, Oregon, WI; and Kristin and Bryan Wright, Winneconne; his grandchildren, Connor, Kaitlin, Nathan, and Hannah; step-grandchildren, Andrea and Jason; great-grandson, Oliver; great-step-grandchildren, Robert and Laura; brother, Kent and Mary Jo Bleser of Eagle River, Alaska; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Al was preceded in death by his wife, Joan; his parents, Ray and Lillian.

Friends and family will gather at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2771 Oakwood Dr., from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday, September 18.  Visitation will continue at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton from 10am to 11am on Friday, September 19; Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am, with Rev. Donald Everts officiating and Rev. Tim Shillcox, O.Praem concelebrating. Full Military Honors to conclude the service. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, De Pere at a later date. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com .

Memorial donations in honor of Al are encouraged to benefit the Wisconsin Natural Resources Foundation.