Lawrence "Al" West

Lawrence A. “Al” West, age 87, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Neenah.  He was born on September 25, 1937 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Son of the late Lawrence H. and Cecilia M. (Quella) West.  In 1955 he participated in basketball, football, and track at the Appleton Senior high school (now Appleton West). After high school graduation Al proudly served his country with the United States Army Reserve for 6 years, and was a member of the American Legion Post 38.

On August 3, 1963 he married the love of his life Susan L. Reetz.  Their marriage was blessed with two children. He was employed as a Supervisor at American National Can for almost 41 years. Al enjoyed playing cards, cooking, and socializing.  He “was a lousy golfer, but enjoyed it” he also went on to say “he was a pretty fair bowler in his younger years”. Al loved to vacation, and started to enjoy taking cruises later in life. He was very dedicated to the word of God. In later years, he served as a hospitality minister, sacristan, and substitute mass server. Known to many as “Big Al,” he also had a great sense of humor. Known as Papa by his grandchildren, recently became a great grandfather. Al was always about family. On Thanksgiving, you could always find him in the kitchen cooking to his hearts content, and trying to impart some of his culinary skills to the grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; his children: Deb West, Michael (Kris) West; grandchildren: Mandy (Erik) Stieg, Eric (Stephanie) West, Matthew (Elizabeth) West, Alyssa (fiancé Noah Blohowiak) West; great-grandchildren: Isaac West, Zoey Stieg; and sister, Mary Ann Gleason.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Marvin (Wanda), Gene (Phyllis), Wayne, Donald (Ruth), and Brother-in-law Jerry Gleason.

Funeral Mass for Al will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church (404 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton) with Brother Ray Stadmeyer officiating.  Friends and family will gather at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service.  Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.

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