Obit: Elsen, Albert "Double A" A. (1916 - 2007)

Transcribed by: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Elsen, Waterman, Schlender, Reinhart, Ravn, Cassidy

---Source: Foto News (Merrill, Lincoln County, Wis.) Wednesday, 11 July, 2007; Page 10

---Elsen, Albert "Double A" A. (23 Mar. 1916 - 2 July 2007)

Albert A. Elsen

Albert A. "Double A" Elsen, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2007, at Meadow Ridge Assisted Living, Baraboo, at the age of 91.

Albert was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., on March 23, 1916, to Albert and Hazel Elsen. During the Great Depression his family moved to Merrill; he was 14. His fondest childhood memories were of summers spent on his grandparents' farm at Grandfather Falls on the Wisconsin River, with his siblings and cousins.

After graduating from Merrill High School in 1934, Al moved to Madison where he attended the University of Wisconsin. During this time he tended bar at the Park Hotel, where he met the love of his life, Jessie Rigg. They were married Nov. 24, 1939, at Raphael's Cathedral and spent 62 wonderful years together. Their kind and loving relationship was a major part of their legacy, given to all the family, as the essence of what a good marriage is all about.

He travelled throughout the state for 30 years working for Felker Brothers Manufacturing of Marshfield. His days with Felker's were filled with hard work and time away from his family, but the rewards were many; a myriad of lifelong friendships, memories of wonderful times, and the pride and satisfaction of making his customers happy. Al was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Baraboo, where at various times he was a member of the Parish Council, the choir, and after retirement, the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Gardening was a passion of Al's, and many reaped the benefits of his endeavors...most notably the recipients of his self-proclaimed "world famous dill pickles." During his "retirement," he added a key element to the Noah's Ark Waterpark marketing family, distributing brochures and posters to area motels and campgrounds... adding to the list of treasured friendships he acquired over the years. In later years, Al continued his relationships with old customers and friends, representing Scotch Oil company in Madison, calling on contractors and road builders throughout Wisconsin. Al and Jessie spent many winters in Sanibel, Fla., surrounded by wonderful friends and family.

Al was preceded in death by his wife Jessie in August 2002, and his brother Les in 2004.

He is survived by his son Albie (Karin), Boynton Beach, Fla.; daughters Mary Elise (Jack) Waterman, Wisconsin Dells; and Elizabeth (Craig) Schlender, Baraboo; eight grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren; his brothers Father Vincent Elsen OFM, Crowley, Texas; and sisters Helen "Hoddy" (Jack) Reinhart, Hendersonville, N.C.; and Ann (Ole) Ravn, Merrill.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, July 5, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Baraboo. Father Vincent Elsen and Father Kevin Cassidy were co-celebrants. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society or the charity of their choice. The Redlin Funeral Home of Baraboo assisted the family with arrangements.

The family would like to acknowledge the Meadow Ridge staff and residents for the kindness and compassion they showed Al during his three-year stay at "The Athletic Club." Special heart felt thanks to Nurse Deb who cared for Dad like he was family.

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