Albert E. Breitlow

Al Breitlow concluded the last chapter of a well-written book on January 29, 2024 with his family at his side, together reliving the tales of each perfect page. 

Chapter 1 – Early Years: Al’s life began in the small town of Rio Creek, born to the late Elmer and Violet Breitlow on September 19, 1938. His work ethic was planted early on with mornings on the farm, working before and after school and sports. 

Chapter 2 – Foundation: Al went to Casco High School playing football, basketball, track and baseball and he was also Homecoming King and the President of Future Farmers of America. Al went on to study agriculture at UW-Platteville while achieving status as the third best punter in the nation. He earned his master’s degree in biology from St. Mary’s College in Winona, MN, followed by certificates in special education from UW-Oshkosh and educational administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 

Chapter 3 – Career: Al was a well-respected figure in education serving as a teacher, administrator and mentor for over 50 years, touching thousands of lives working at Lone Rock (1960-1963), Southern Door High School (1963-1976) and Edison and Lombardi Middle Schools (1977-2000). He concluded his esteemed educational career as the athletic director for all of the middle schools in the Green Bay School District from 2000-2008. His impact in education was demonstrated by the numerous accolades and achievement awards earned over the years.

Chapter 4 – Sports: Al turned his love of sports into a lifelong hobby. Every weekend was spent coaching or reffing high school and college football and basketball. Al and his ref crew of closest friends earned multiple state tournament games and he was inducted into the Green Bay Officials Hall of Fame in 2008 and the WI Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2012. Al loved the Green Bay Packers and started a second career of 31 years as sideline official and a Lambeau Field tour guide. No one could stump him on Packer history, player stats or general trivia!

Chapter 5 – Family & Friends: Being surrounded by family and friends was one of Al’s biggest joys in life. Al enjoyed all of the times with family, including sister, June Kirchman (Fuzzy) and brother Dale Breitlow (now reunited with Al) and his wife, Sue. Additionally, through marriage he gained brothers of Warren (Karen) Doering, Craig (Kim) Doering and Brent Doering, along with numerous nieces and nephews on both sides. Al had an extraordinary gift of connection demonstrated by his authentic friend groups - reffing crews, coffee buddies, caring neighbors and former colleagues who became close friends.

Chapter 6 – A Love Story: And the greatest of all of his achievements, Al met the love of his life, Karen, in 1960 on a blind date in Platteville. The two were married in WI in 1963 –recently celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters, Laine Vigue (Paul) of Greenville, WI, and Kyle Christopherson (Tyler) of Minneapolis, MN. He cherished his role as “Grandpa Al” to Brady Vigue (18), Crosby Christopherson (15) and Harper Christopherson (13). Al loved spending time reading sports autobiographies, fishing and vacations with his children and grandchildren in Destin, Florida.

Conclusion: A greater life of integrity, joy and kindness could not have been lived. As we close the book on this legend’s life, we invite you to continue telling the stories that will keep Al Breitlow’s positive impact present in this world while he’s shining on from above. 

Please join us on Friday, February 2, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E Glendale Avenue in Appleton where visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 Noon.  Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton is caring for the family.

A celebration of his life will be held this spring, details forthcoming.