Albert
Albert Wason
Albert A. “Big Al” Wason of Otsego, MI passed away Thursday, July 19, 2012 at his home. Albert was born July 11, 1939 in Plainwell to Albert J. and Junerose (Livingston) Wason and was a lifelong resident of the area. Al served his country in the US Air Force. For 43 years he was employed with Plainwell Paper Co., retiring as a millwright in 2000, and had served as President of the Plainwell Paper Co. United Paperworkers Union Local No. 1062. He had also served as head of the Otsego Township Planning Commission. In his leisure time Al enjoyed farming, baseball, traveling, U.S. History and reading westerns.
On September 10, 1960 in Otsego he married his wife of 51 years, Mary Pittner, who survives. Also surviving are his son and two daughters, Randy (Kim) Wason of Kalamazoo, Lisa (Steve) Peet of Portage and Melissa Chavez of Crivitz, WI; his grandchildren, Trevor and Rachel Wason, Emily, Ashley and Daniel Peet, Tristan and Noah Chavez and Ridge Oisten; brothers, Larry and Robert Wason, sister, Dian Florian; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Harriet Bolhuis; a sister-in-law, Jane Pittner and nephew, Scott Kraft.
Friends may meet with his family from 2 to 6 P.M. Sunday at the
Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, MI
. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Monday at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Otsego, Deacon Dean Herman celebrant. Military Honors will be conducted by V.F.W. Post #3030. Cremation will follow.
Contributions in memory of Al may be made to
St. Margaret’s Catholic School
.
Messages of condolence for his family may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Albert Wason
Condolence Messages
Patti Rybicki
July 20, 2012 at 6:52 pm
BIG AL was also known as Alvin to all that loved him from the good old days at the bank. And we were called the little piggy’s.
Al was a very loving man to all that knew him. Besides a BIG heart he also had a good head on his shoulders. I have taken a lot of good advise from this man and his wife (my dear friend Mary.)
Al will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
May God’s strength help you through this difficult time and remember Al for the man he was.
Reply
Dorothy McNees
July 21, 2012 at 10:15 am
Al was born three days after me, so growing up we were close cousins. I will always remember him as Punk because, I think our grandfather Livingston gave him this nick name. He never seem to mind being called that.
Growing up durning the summer I would go and stay at his house sometimes. We would ride our bike cycles Aunt June would take us swiming at Ely Lake over by Allegan. We had a lot of fun.
I remember one time we were riding our bike;s and I came out of their drive way fast and fell, skinned up my elbow pretty bad, well Punk was right there to help me up and get me to the house so Aunt June could clean up my elbow. Another time we were riding horses at my home and one of our horses threw Punk off. Well he did not want to get back on but he did after I told him what my dad had always told me. If you do not get right back on you will never ride again, so Punk got back on and rode the rest of the day. We had a lot of fun growing up.
Punk was a kind and considerate man and will be miss by all who knew him.
Punk, may you rest in peace.
To Mary and family, know that he is not suffering anymore and is in a better place. May God guide and help you get through this time of sorrow.
Reply
Sally Curtiss
July 21, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I first met Al back when I attended 5th grade in St. Margaret’s in Otsego. I became friends with his daughter, Melissa. Presently we are still friends and I have always had a fondness for Al and Mary because they were like second parents to me. When I went to St. Margaret’s during the 5th through the 8th grade I spent many a time over at Al and Mary’s house. I remember coming down the stairs and their room was off the kitchen and “peeking” in to see what they were doing. They were always there watching television or sleeping. I always remember there was 2 pitchers of Ice Tea in the refrigerator for Al and for Mary her Coca Cola. Al was always there to give advice to you when he was asked. He had such a generous heart and he never looked down on anyone and was always there to help anyone. I will miss him terribly and remember the good times of my youth and all the times at The Wason’s, whether it was for a holiday or a family cookout. They always made me feel like I was a member of the family and I know that even though we will grieve the loss of his presence down here on earth we are going to meet again in Paradise in the Heavens in the Sky!! Al, Rest in Peace!! We all love you!!!
I also want to say to Mary and Melissa and Randy and Lisa that you had a wonderful and generous Husband and Father. The world lost a “GREAT ONE” Thursday night but the kingdom of Heaven is much brighter and with God and Al on our side how can we go wrong!
Reply
Janice L. Thompson
July 21, 2012 at 5:13 pm
I served with Al for many years on the Otsego Township Planning Commission. Al was a very nice and fair man!
My sincerest condolences to his Wife and Family…
Love and Prayers to all of you!
Reply
Ruby VanBruggen
July 21, 2012 at 9:36 pm
I will truly miss you hope you have good a great time and tell every body up in hevan we are thinking of them too. Al you are a great father, brother,husband,and a best friend!! And life of the party you new how make sad to happy very quickly. I am glad you lived your life to the fullest. Just be safe and we will met again some day love you you nice Ruby Brian Bradley, Kayla, Gabriel VanBruggen famliy.
Reply
The Burlington family
July 22, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Lisa and family – Our condolences and sympathy on the loss of your father, grandfather, and husband.
From the Burlington Family:
Aunt Marilyn Burlington
Tom & Julene Burlington
Carol & Rex Grant
Reply
Peggy Thompson
July 22, 2012 at 10:26 pm
Mrs Wason (Mary) & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mr Wason (Al) tonight. I hope that you can find the comfort and peace in the great memories you have shared. I know I still smile when I think about the time I heard the giggles and laughter and some screams of children… After investigating…There he was, going down the big hill with the golf cart with kids. Or as simple as when I drive by looking for the golf cart or one of you on the porch to wave to. Mrs Wason know that I am just a door away if you need anything. Please call anytime, day or night.
Reply
Jerry and Judy Shumaker
July 22, 2012 at 10:33 pm
We are so sorry for your loss, Mary. Please know that our thoughts and sympathy are with you during this very sad time in your lives. You take care now and know that others are sending warm thoughts to you and your family. May your memories help you through your grief.
Reply
Malisa Klann
July 23, 2012 at 7:46 am
Mary and family….my thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn’t get a chance to know Al personally, but it doesn’t feel that way after hearing Mary’s many stories. They never failed to make me laugh. I only hope that I am lucky enough to be able to speak with the love and fondness that Mary does Al after 51 years with my husband.You are an inspiration. Much love and prayers are being sent your way.
Reply
Brenda Moncrief
July 23, 2012 at 8:03 am
Lisa
I was sorry to hear of your loss over the weekend. My prayers and thoughths are with you and your family.
Your Dad has made a STRONG and LOVING family. His memories will be cherished forever.
Reply
DALE HALL
July 23, 2012 at 8:28 pm
I WISH I COULD HAVE CAME AND PAID MY CONDOLENCES BUT I JUST GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL TODAY AND DIDNT FIND OUT UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE,MY WISHES GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY,ANOTHER GOOD ONE GONE WAY TOO SOON.DALE HALL ,COWORKER AND UNION BROTHER.
Reply
Tom Burns
July 23, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Otsego Township will miss Al; he was a good man that did his best to make the township a better place to be in. His dedication to the Otsego Township was greatly appreciated. I hope the time he spend away from family, was appreciated by all in the area.
Reply
Sam and Kitty Livingston
July 24, 2012 at 12:44 am
We will miss “Punk” ! Over the years it was always fun to run into him at different places. He always kept us up to date on the family. His smile and opinion will be missed by us both. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Rubie Brest
July 25, 2012 at 10:23 am
so sorry for your loss,Mary. I didn’t know Al but i’ve heard great things about him. Hope we all can get together soon,
Reply
Cindy (Kraft) Loftin
July 26, 2012 at 11:04 am
Aunt Mary and Family,
It’s hard for me to believe that uncle punk is gone, especially to cancer. I remember him telling me at the University of Michigan Hospital that he had the same symptoms as my brother Scott. I had hoped that he would of seen a doctor back then, maybe he could of survived with treatment. I have very fond memories of our family being together in our child hood years. I want to bless you as well as the family during these difficult times. I hope that you will all come together to help each other get through this hardship. It helps to remember the times of the past to get through the sorrows of the present. I love all of you and I am sorry that I could not make it to Michigan for the memorial. May God be with you all!
Your niece Cindy
Reply
Noreen [Johnson} Gilbert
July 26, 2012 at 3:16 pm
To the family of Al. I remember him from years ago. We were friends of Junerose and would see him there sometimes. I’m so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
Email
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
Your Name
*
Your Email
*
Their Name
*
Their Email
*
Message
CAPTCHA
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Δ
On September 10, 1960 in Otsego he married his wife of 51 years, Mary Pittner, who survives. Also surviving are his son and two daughters, Randy (Kim) Wason of Kalamazoo, Lisa (Steve) Peet of Portage and Melissa Chavez of Crivitz, WI; his grandchildren, Trevor and Rachel Wason, Emily, Ashley and Daniel Peet, Tristan and Noah Chavez and Ridge Oisten; brothers, Larry and Robert Wason, sister, Dian Florian; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Harriet Bolhuis; a sister-in-law, Jane Pittner and nephew, Scott Kraft.
Friends may meet with his family from 2 to 6 P.M. Sunday at the
Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego, MI
. A memorial service will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Monday at St. Margaret Catholic Church, Otsego, Deacon Dean Herman celebrant. Military Honors will be conducted by V.F.W. Post #3030. Cremation will follow.
Contributions in memory of Al may be made to
St. Margaret’s Catholic School
.
Messages of condolence for his family may be posted at
www.WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Albert Wason
Condolence Messages
Patti Rybicki
July 20, 2012 at 6:52 pm
BIG AL was also known as Alvin to all that loved him from the good old days at the bank. And we were called the little piggy’s.
Al was a very loving man to all that knew him. Besides a BIG heart he also had a good head on his shoulders. I have taken a lot of good advise from this man and his wife (my dear friend Mary.)
Al will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
May God’s strength help you through this difficult time and remember Al for the man he was.
Reply
Dorothy McNees
July 21, 2012 at 10:15 am
Al was born three days after me, so growing up we were close cousins. I will always remember him as Punk because, I think our grandfather Livingston gave him this nick name. He never seem to mind being called that.
Growing up durning the summer I would go and stay at his house sometimes. We would ride our bike cycles Aunt June would take us swiming at Ely Lake over by Allegan. We had a lot of fun.
I remember one time we were riding our bike;s and I came out of their drive way fast and fell, skinned up my elbow pretty bad, well Punk was right there to help me up and get me to the house so Aunt June could clean up my elbow. Another time we were riding horses at my home and one of our horses threw Punk off. Well he did not want to get back on but he did after I told him what my dad had always told me. If you do not get right back on you will never ride again, so Punk got back on and rode the rest of the day. We had a lot of fun growing up.
Punk was a kind and considerate man and will be miss by all who knew him.
Punk, may you rest in peace.
To Mary and family, know that he is not suffering anymore and is in a better place. May God guide and help you get through this time of sorrow.
Reply
Sally Curtiss
July 21, 2012 at 4:16 pm
I first met Al back when I attended 5th grade in St. Margaret’s in Otsego. I became friends with his daughter, Melissa. Presently we are still friends and I have always had a fondness for Al and Mary because they were like second parents to me. When I went to St. Margaret’s during the 5th through the 8th grade I spent many a time over at Al and Mary’s house. I remember coming down the stairs and their room was off the kitchen and “peeking” in to see what they were doing. They were always there watching television or sleeping. I always remember there was 2 pitchers of Ice Tea in the refrigerator for Al and for Mary her Coca Cola. Al was always there to give advice to you when he was asked. He had such a generous heart and he never looked down on anyone and was always there to help anyone. I will miss him terribly and remember the good times of my youth and all the times at The Wason’s, whether it was for a holiday or a family cookout. They always made me feel like I was a member of the family and I know that even though we will grieve the loss of his presence down here on earth we are going to meet again in Paradise in the Heavens in the Sky!! Al, Rest in Peace!! We all love you!!!
I also want to say to Mary and Melissa and Randy and Lisa that you had a wonderful and generous Husband and Father. The world lost a “GREAT ONE” Thursday night but the kingdom of Heaven is much brighter and with God and Al on our side how can we go wrong!
Reply
Janice L. Thompson
July 21, 2012 at 5:13 pm
I served with Al for many years on the Otsego Township Planning Commission. Al was a very nice and fair man!
My sincerest condolences to his Wife and Family…
Love and Prayers to all of you!
Reply
Ruby VanBruggen
July 21, 2012 at 9:36 pm
I will truly miss you hope you have good a great time and tell every body up in hevan we are thinking of them too. Al you are a great father, brother,husband,and a best friend!! And life of the party you new how make sad to happy very quickly. I am glad you lived your life to the fullest. Just be safe and we will met again some day love you you nice Ruby Brian Bradley, Kayla, Gabriel VanBruggen famliy.
Reply
The Burlington family
July 22, 2012 at 4:54 pm
Lisa and family – Our condolences and sympathy on the loss of your father, grandfather, and husband.
From the Burlington Family:
Aunt Marilyn Burlington
Tom & Julene Burlington
Carol & Rex Grant
Reply
Peggy Thompson
July 22, 2012 at 10:26 pm
Mrs Wason (Mary) & Family, I am so sorry to hear about Mr Wason (Al) tonight. I hope that you can find the comfort and peace in the great memories you have shared. I know I still smile when I think about the time I heard the giggles and laughter and some screams of children… After investigating…There he was, going down the big hill with the golf cart with kids. Or as simple as when I drive by looking for the golf cart or one of you on the porch to wave to. Mrs Wason know that I am just a door away if you need anything. Please call anytime, day or night.
Reply
Jerry and Judy Shumaker
July 22, 2012 at 10:33 pm
We are so sorry for your loss, Mary. Please know that our thoughts and sympathy are with you during this very sad time in your lives. You take care now and know that others are sending warm thoughts to you and your family. May your memories help you through your grief.
Reply
Malisa Klann
July 23, 2012 at 7:46 am
Mary and family….my thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn’t get a chance to know Al personally, but it doesn’t feel that way after hearing Mary’s many stories. They never failed to make me laugh. I only hope that I am lucky enough to be able to speak with the love and fondness that Mary does Al after 51 years with my husband.You are an inspiration. Much love and prayers are being sent your way.
Reply
Brenda Moncrief
July 23, 2012 at 8:03 am
Lisa
I was sorry to hear of your loss over the weekend. My prayers and thoughths are with you and your family.
Your Dad has made a STRONG and LOVING family. His memories will be cherished forever.
Reply
DALE HALL
July 23, 2012 at 8:28 pm
I WISH I COULD HAVE CAME AND PAID MY CONDOLENCES BUT I JUST GOT OUT OF THE HOSPITAL TODAY AND DIDNT FIND OUT UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE,MY WISHES GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY,ANOTHER GOOD ONE GONE WAY TOO SOON.DALE HALL ,COWORKER AND UNION BROTHER.
Reply
Tom Burns
July 23, 2012 at 9:33 pm
Otsego Township will miss Al; he was a good man that did his best to make the township a better place to be in. His dedication to the Otsego Township was greatly appreciated. I hope the time he spend away from family, was appreciated by all in the area.
Reply
Sam and Kitty Livingston
July 24, 2012 at 12:44 am
We will miss “Punk” ! Over the years it was always fun to run into him at different places. He always kept us up to date on the family. His smile and opinion will be missed by us both. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Reply
Rubie Brest
July 25, 2012 at 10:23 am
so sorry for your loss,Mary. I didn’t know Al but i’ve heard great things about him. Hope we all can get together soon,
Reply
Cindy (Kraft) Loftin
July 26, 2012 at 11:04 am
Aunt Mary and Family,
It’s hard for me to believe that uncle punk is gone, especially to cancer. I remember him telling me at the University of Michigan Hospital that he had the same symptoms as my brother Scott. I had hoped that he would of seen a doctor back then, maybe he could of survived with treatment. I have very fond memories of our family being together in our child hood years. I want to bless you as well as the family during these difficult times. I hope that you will all come together to help each other get through this hardship. It helps to remember the times of the past to get through the sorrows of the present. I love all of you and I am sorry that I could not make it to Michigan for the memorial. May God be with you all!
Your niece Cindy
Reply
Noreen [Johnson} Gilbert
July 26, 2012 at 3:16 pm
To the family of Al. I remember him from years ago. We were friends of Junerose and would see him there sometimes. I’m so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
Search Obituaries
How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
Share This Obituary
Your Name
*
Your Email
*
Their Name
*
Their Email
*
Message
CAPTCHA
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Δ
Guestbook
Visits: 3
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors