On Saturday, November 27, for the first time in 97 years the sun set on a world that did not include the kind and gentle husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend who was Aloyzy Lawniczak of Howard.  He died peacefully at home in the arms of family.

Al was born on June 19, 1924 in Pulaski to the late Thomas and Helen (Holowinski) Lawniczak who both passed away by the time Al was seven years old.  After working the family farm with his siblings and other jobs in the area, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II. He received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground combat under the leadership of General George S. Patton.

On July 3, 1948 he married his sweetheart, the former Helen Bieda, at Assumption BVM Catholic Church in Pulaski. They had 6 children.  Al worked as a papermaker at Fort Howard Paper Company for 36 years, retiring in 1987.  During this time, he also did concrete jobs, earning him the nickname "Concrete Al".

In retirement he spent several years visiting area nursing homes, befriending the residents who looked forward to his weekly visits.  Along with Helen he volunteered at St. John the Baptist Parish helping with things from church picnics to serving funeral dinners. He was a Charter Member of the Duck Creek Knights of Columbus Council 6279.  He enjoyed fixing lawnmowers, snowblowers, and other things for people and often had to be called in from his garage workshop for supper. He was a poll worker for many years.

When you first met Al, after shaking hands, he most certainly would ask "where do you hail from?"  He could talk to anyone and loved to visit.  He also loved good food. He complimented mom after every dinner telling her it was "very, very good".  Never was his smile as big as when he was eating dessert with loved ones at gatherings.  He loved polka music.

Al leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 73 years, Helen; five children, Michael (Debbie) Lawniczak, Jeff (Connie) Lawniczak, Julie Pasterski (Larry Biemeret), Lynn (Jim) Goetsch, Sherry (Gary) Van Helvoirt; son-in-law Clyde Verhaagh;  10 grandchildren,  Jill Verhaagh (Mike Liedeka), Jed Verhaagh, Jenny (Kevin) Wojcik, Jason (Lacy) Lawniczak, Aaron (Mallory) Lawniczak, Amber (Emery) Orlikowski, Ryan (Jordan) Cappaert, Adam (Amanda) Lawniczak, Brian (Melanie) Lawniczak, and Ariel Goetsch; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Eunice Lawniczak; many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by daughter, Darlene Verhaagh; son-in-law John Pasterski; his brothers John (Gladys), Pete (Dorothy), Thomas and Harry; sisters Martha (Edwin) Zepnick, Verna (Edmond) Szczepanski and Victoria (Jim) Jaskolski; Helen's siblings Jack (Stella) Bieda, Ray (Margaret) Bieda, Ed (Alice) Bieda, Leo Bieda, James Bieda, Della (Wally) Kollath, Lottie (Roman) Gawrylewski and Rose (James) Ryczkowski.

Thank you to those who continued to include Al in their lives after he was unable to drive or get around easily. The rides to KC meetings or to meet the guys for coffee were much appreciated as well as the kindness of neighbors when he and Helen lived on Olde Hickory Trail.  The visits, cards, calls, and inquiries to family about how he was doing meant a lot. Thank you to the barbers at Russ' for the free-­haircuts-for-life agreement that was made years ago for their friend Al, who they called Flipper. You all held a special place in his heart.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., from 10:00 a.m. – noon on Thursday, December 2; followed by a Mass of Christian burial at noon with Al's nephew, Fr. Patrick Gawrylewski O.F.M. officiating.  Please use Glendale Ave. lot entry. In Lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the Knights of Columbus, Duck Creek Council 6279 to support the good work they do. Online condolences are welcome at www.PfotenhauerFuneralHome.com . The Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed at http://www.facebook.com/sjbhchurch/

"We'll be talkin"