Raymond "Al" Vlies

Raymond Alvin Vlies, 86, Algoma, died peacefully September 28th after a long and brave battle with cancer at Bay Road Place in Algoma with his family by his side. Al was born in Algoma on April 24, 1927, to Ralph and Sarah Vlies. He graduated from St. Mary's Grade School, Algoma High School and attended St. Norbert's College for two years. He served in the Army near the end of World War II, from 1945 to 1946. Al worked at Wisconsin Public Service for 42 years both in Algoma and Kewaunee, retiring in 1990. On September 2, 1953, Al made the best decision of his life and married Helen Schlise. For almost sixty years, they formed a great team living in Algoma and raising five children. Together with their many friends and family members, they enjoyed a busy, fun and full life within the community and their church. Al was a generous, hard working, loyal and kind person with a great sense of humor. He loved watching, listening, or participating in all sports (except swimming!). He played on many teams and leagues - softball, bowling, horseshoes, volleyball and golf. As a lifelong Algoma Wolves' fan, he could be seen walking the sidelines during most home games and many away games. Al was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather, always working very hard to provide for his family. Out of his jumbled workshop or the back of his old blue truck would come the supplies or tools to help family, friends or neighbors with home improvement projects or emergency repairs. Al was an avid reader and life-long learner with particular interest in Algoma history, family genealogy and current events. He also was known to enjoy good food and conversation. He is survived by two daughters, Cathy (John) Pabich, Algoma, and Susan (fianc Mark Damaske), Mequon; two sons, John (Diana) Vlies, Algoma, and Paul (Carol) Vlies, Casco; grandchildren, Alexis (Peter) Mittelstadt and their children Isabelle, Finnegan and Lilyanna, Andrew Pabich, Sarah (Eman) Gomez Rendon and their daughter Lenny; Annie, Steven and David Brookman, Tracey and Kelly Thyes, and Abigail and Madeline Vlies; brother Ralph Vlies; sister-in-law Marie Feuerstein; brother and sister-in-laws, John (Marge) Schlise, and Robert (Janice) Schlise; and many nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Schlise Vlies, his son, Allen 'Butch' Vlies, his sister and brother-in-law, Gerry and Harold Sibilsky; an infant brother, Clarence Vlies; his brother-in-law, Leonard Feuerstein, and his sister-in-law, Betty Vlies. Friends may call at the SCHINDERLE FUNERAL HOME, Algoma, from 4 - 8 PM Thursday, October 3, 2013, and after 10 AM Tuesday, Friday, October 4 at St. Mary Catholic Church until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM with Rev. Anthony Birdsall officiating. A luncheon will follow the mass. Entombment at the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum. Online condolences may be made at http://www.schinderle.com/. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Raymond's name to St. Mary Parish, 118 Church Street, Algoma WI 54201 or Algoma High School Booster Club, mail checks payable to Algoma Booster Club, 1521 Steele Street, Algoma, WI 54201. Thank you, Dad, for providing the care and attention that was a constant demonstration of your love for us. We will always keep you in our hearts as our finest example of what we should strive to be as a spouse, father and grandparent. The family would like to thank Bay Road Place, Unity Hospice and Palliative Care, Home Instead Senior Care Assistant Grace Ann and the many family members and friends who called, visited and sent notes.

Visitation

Thursday, October 3, 2013 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Schinderle Funeral Home
1600 Schinderle Ln Algoma 54201, United States

Visitation

Friday, October 4, 2013 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
St. Mary Catholic Church
118 Church Street Algoma 54201, United States

Service

Friday, October 4, 2013 11:00 AM
St. Mary Catholic Church
118 Church Street Algoma 54201, United States

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