Allen Charles Wollenzien

STOUGHTON- Allen C. “Al” Wollenzien, age 74, entered his eternal home on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, unexpectedly of cardiac arrest. He was born in Milwaukee on June 24, 1939, the son of the late Charles and Evelyn Wollenzien. Al married Gail Gawrisch on May 6, 1961, in Milwaukee. After living in Antigo, Green Lake, Sheboygan, and Sheboygan Falls, they moved to Stoughton in 1980, with their family. Al graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran High School in 1957. He then graduated from UW-Platteville in 1963, with a degree in Agricultural Education. He continued his post-graduate education at UW-Madison with a Masters Degree in Meat and Animal Science. He served as a County 4-H agent in Langlade and Green Lake Counties and as Dairy and Livestock Agent in Sheboygan and Dane Counties. He also served as a computer training specialist for Dane County until his retirement. He was a volunteer superintendent at the World Dairy Expo and a beef superintendent of the Wisconsin State Fair. As members of Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Al was the President and Treasurer for the congregation. He served as the treasurer for Martin Luther School and Thoughts of Faith. Al and Gail are members of First Lutheran Church where he served as chairman of the stewardship committee. He was a former director of the Mandt Center and was currently on the Stoughton Board of Appeals. He was a member of the Stoughton Fair Board for many years, the Grieg Chorus for seven years, and a former member of the Stoughton Lions Club. He received the Melvin Jones Award, the most prestigious award given in Lionism. Al enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas, where he and Gail celebrated their 50th anniversary with family. His favorite card game was Sheepshead, which he enjoyed with his friends at the Senior Center, but was known to play a few rounds of family-friendly poker. He enjoyed watching his children's and grandchildren's sporting events, volunteering at the Senior Center Computer Lab, and the many family get-togethers. Survivors include his wife, Gail; children, Eric (Michele) of North Mankato, Minn., Ellen (Gary) Weum, and Elise (Randy) McLaury, all of Stoughton; brother, Norbert (Kathy) of Shawano; and sister, Charlene (James) Drefahl of Crandon. He is further survived by six grandchildren, Marisa and Conor Wollenzien, Jordyn and Alyson Weum, and Luke and Sean McLaury; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 310 E. Washington St., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2013, with the Rev. Bill Lehman officiating. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON STOUGHTON FUNERAL HOME, 1358 Hwy. 51 N, Stoughton, from 4 until 7 p.m., on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, as well as from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Thursday. Luncheon will be served at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al's name may be given to First Lutheran Church or the Stoughton Hospital Emergency Room Expansion Fund. The family would like to thank the Stoughton Police Department, the EMS, and the doctors and staff of the Stoughton Hospital Emergency Room for their compassion and care shown to our husband, father, and grandfather. “We love you and we'll miss you, Pops.” Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Stoughton Funeral & Cremation Care 1358 Highway 51 N. (608)873-4590