Alfred J. Pophal

Alfred J. Pophal, age 94, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Al brought steady warmth to everyone who knew him. His life was defined by love for his family, compassion for others, and a quiet strength that shaped the people around him. His loss leaves a real absence, but his life leaves an even stronger legacy.

He was born May 23, 1931 in Wausau, the son of John and Irene Pophal. On October 31, 1959, he married Dolores Schneider in Colby, beginning sixty six years of partnership and commitment.

Alfred grew up on a small family dairy farm a few miles east of Wausau. That early life shaped his character. It was here he learned his core values of love, loyalty and respect for his family; a deep appreciation of Mother Nature; and his unwavering faith in God. After leaving the farm, he enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. His time in the service gave him his first chance to see the world, an experience he treasured.

After returning home, he joined Marathon Electric in Wausau, where he worked for more than thirty five years in customer service and inside sales. More importantly, it was where he met Dolores, the love of his life.

Al lived simply and fully. He loved fishing, hunting, traveling with Dolores throughout the Midwest polka dancing, and watching Brewer games. He coached Little League baseball for more than ten years and cared deeply for the kids he guided. Every summer he could be found in his garden, working the soil and growing vegetables for his family, something he continued until age eighty six.

He is survived by his wife, Dolores Pophal; his children Steve (Judy) Pophal of Wausau, Jeffrey (Mary) Pophal of Henderson, Nevada, John Pophal of Weston, and Daniel (Linda) Pophal of Reno, Nevada; his grandchildren Elizabeth (Diego) Cuenca, Ryan (Audrey) Pophal, Bradley Pophal, Ashley Pophal, David Pophal, and Sarah Pophal; and his great grandson Diego Cuenca II.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Frances, Lillian, Helen, and Alice, his stepmother Marie, and his stepsister Audrey.

The family extends sincere thanks to the Veterans Affairs in-home care program, which made it possible for Al to remain at home until his passing. They also wish to thank the Aspirus team and the Wood Aven Rehabilitation staff for the care and compassion shown in his final days.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on December 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., at St Andrew Lutheran Church in Rib Mountain. Entombment will take place at Memorial Chapel Mausoleum at Restlawn Memorial Park in Wausau. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, all at the church. Online condolences may be shared at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Although Al’s physical presence is gone, the spirit he brought into the world remains. May his memory be a blessing and a reminder to carry forward the love and kindness he lived by.