Alfred Pientok
Alfred Pientok, 98, lndependence, departed this life on April 8, 2021.
Alfred was born to Peter and Martha (Bautch) Pientok, April 8, 1923. After graduating from Independence High School in 1941, Al enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was in the service from September 20, 1945, until November 10, 1946, which included a tour of duty in China. Al was proud of his lifetime membership at American Legion Post 186 in lndependence.
Upon his return from service, Al, along with his brother, LaVerne, helped run the family’s construction business. Eventually both sons took over the Peter Pientok Construction Company from their father and, within a few years, also established the Tri-City Sanitation business.
His marriage to Belva Kleppen took place at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in lndependence, May 8, 1950.
After his retirement, Al became a connoisseur of making homemade sauerkraut, horseradish, and wine. He lovingly passed on his technique and recipes to his children and grandchildren to carry on the family tradition. Always proud of his Polish heritage, he was forever quick with a joke or story about his ancestry.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Belva, April 13, 2007; his parents; sister & brother-in-law, Monica and Andrew Dejno Sr.; and sister-in-law, Mary Pientok.
Alfred is survived by his children: Joan (Jim) Gunderson of Eau Claire, Gene (Lana) Pientok of Whitehall, Judy (Edward) Fisher of DeForest, and Jerry (Debbie) Pientok of Eau Claire; and his brother, LaVerne Pientok Whitehall.
Grandpa Al is also survived by grandchildren: Scott (Sadie) Gunderson, Grant (Stacy) Gunderson, Jeremiah (Melissa) Pientok, Tyler (Shawna) Pientok, Yolanda (Eliot) Green, Nathan Pientok, and Matthew Pientok; great grandchildren: Piper, Felicity and Etta Belle Gunderson, Asher and Easton Gunderson, McKenna, Mason and Max Pientok, and Teagan, Kellen and Kendall Pientok.
A Mass of Christian Burial (with COVID-19 guidelines) will be held Tuesday, April 20, 2021. at 10:30 a.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence, with Rev. George Thayilkuzhithottu officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to Mass.
“Moxe on Znajduja enternal pokpj I excptance.”
Online condolences may be offered at www.edisonfuneralhome.com.
