Alvin Bishop

JOHNSON CREEK - Alvin Bishop, age 81, of Johnson Creek, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, at Aurora Medical Center Summit.  He was born on March 28, 1942, in Fort Deposit, Ala., the son of Louise Dunlap.

Alvin graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961.  He married Varla Maier on Sept. 27, 1987, in Madison, Wis.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War from July 27, 1961 - May 26, 1966.  In 1972, he joined the Wisconsin State Patrol in the 19th Recruit Class, retiring with the rank of Regional Commander Southwest Wisconsin in June 1998.

He was a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (Noble), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Northside Senior Coalition.  Alvin enjoyed photography, cooking, genealogy, travel and family.

Alvin is survived by his wife, Varla; and his children, Byron (Cindie) Bishop, Aaron (Ylla) Bishop, Allece Merchant (Neal) and Eric Wise.  He had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his cousin, Lorenzo Jones.

Funeral Services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023.  A private burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens.  A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to The Salvation Army of Wisconsin or Urban League of Greater Madison.  

A full obituary will follow. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420