Alfred Block

Block, Alfred L.

Died February 17, a week after celebrating his 90th birthday with his family.

Married to the late Carol Krause Block for 57 years and survived by their three grateful children: Deborah, Dennis (Diane) and David (Terese); grandchildren Sara and Stephen (Joy); preceded in death by grandson Jamie; “Grampa Al” to Christine and Kymana.

“Al” was born in Marinette, Wisconsin. He was a graduate of Pulaski High School in Milwaukee, Carroll College (BA 1950), Marquette University (MA 1954), and did graduate study at UW-M. A veteran of World War II, he served in the South Pacific with the Coast Guard and with the U.S. Naval Reserve during the Korean War. A dedicated educator, his vocation in public education spanned almost 60 years. He began his teaching career at West Milwaukee High School and then was on the founding faculty of Franklin High School, where he taught history and social studies, coached cross country, and developed innovative programs in “conservation of natural resources,” Japanese language, and vocational education.

In 1969 he moved from teaching to administration as the district’s first Director of Instruction. When he retired from the Franklin Schools in 1992 he was serving as the Interim Superintendent. Continuing his vocation as an educator, he was engaged by Greendale to do ADA compliance and construction feasibility and then by South Milwaukee for administration, instruction, environmental, and career education. He was adjunct faculty at MATC, Carroll, Mount Mary, and UW-Madison. Passionate about the importance of civics education, he was involved with “We the People” and “Project Citizen.” He enjoyed tree farming, camping, hunting, and fishing, and contributed to environmental education through Ducks Unlimited and the Ice Age Trail Curriculum Committee. A life-long Presbyterian, he and Carol were charter members of Heritage Presbyterian Church in 1960, where they both served as elders. He had been an active member of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee since 1987. The Blocks were residents of Franklin for over fifty years, providing leadership with the Franklin Historical Society and the Wehr Nature Center. In the past ten years he resided at St. John’s on the Lake, where he enjoyed teaching courses and involvement in community life.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 1100 N. Astor St. in Milwaukee. A reception will follow. Mr. Block asked that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to his church.

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Suminski Family LifeStory Funeral Homes