June 24, 1917 – Nov. 28, 2010

Albert "Al" F. Beck of Waukesha passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 28, 2010, at the Virginia Health & Rehabilitation Center at the age of 93. He was born June 24, 1917, in Plain, the son of Albert A. and Caroline (Hutter) Beck.

After graduating from Marquette Law School, Al proudly served in the Army Air Corps, first as a pilot, then as a gunnery instructor and lastly in the judge advocate’s department. After his discharge, he set up a private law practice specializing in probate and real estate closings. His strongest influence and mentor in his law career was attorney John F. Buckley. He was the county Democratic Party chairman from 1958 to 1961 and ran for district attorney in 1960. Al was a past member of the Waukesha Water Utility Commission, the Knights of Columbus and the United Way (Community Chest). He was a lifelong, active and devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, serving as an usher for many years. His hobbies included gardening and model railroading.

Al will be sadly missed by his loving children, Kathy (Owen) DeVillers of New Berlin, Pat (Andy) Koch and Al (Susan) Beck of Waukesha; his loving grandchildren, Russell Smith, Aaron and Dustin Koch, Albert J. "A.J." and Michael Beck; his brothers, James (Bernice) Beck and Myron (Betty) Beck; his sister, Betty Marolt; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Irene; his second wife, Audrey; his brother, Tony; and two sisters, Carolyn Hazen and Beulah Poski.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha. Visitation continues from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian burial Friday, Dec. 3, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 225 S. Hartwell Ave., Waukesha. The Rev. Howard Haase will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Waukesha.

Memorials in Al’s name are appreciated to The Salvation Army, 313 Bank St., Waukesha, WI 53186; the American Cancer Society, N19-W24350 Riverwood Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188; or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, Cremation and Pre-Planning Services is serving the family. For further information, please call 542-6609, or for directions, an online obituary or to leave a condolence, please visit www.waukeshasfuneralhome.com.