Alfred Mlakar

Alfred Mlakar, age 89, was born in Milwaukee, Wi., on January 4, 1936, to Alfred Mlakar Sr. and Beatrice (nee: DiBella). He passed away March 11, 2025, in the home he built nearly 60 years ago. 

Al attended St. Aloysius Grade School and Don Bosco High School. He met Rosemarie Baranek his senior year, and has been fiercely devoted to her ever since. They were married in 1956, the same year he pursued a steamfitter apprenticeship with Local 601, becoming a journeyman in 1961.

Initially he worked for Randle Plumbing & Heating which was then purchased by the Illingworth Corporation in 1969. He became Illingworth's first serviceman and worked there in various roles until his retirement. Al continued to further his education by attending classes, seminars, conferences and conventions to keep pace with the everchanging industry. After nine years as a Service Fitter, he became Service Superintendent and eventually Service & Controls Manager. During this time he also managed a fleet of 77 vehicles and was in charge of security & fire protection. In 1980, he developed the company's first Safety Program and served as the Safety & Quality Assurance Manager until he retired at the age of 70. 

Al was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith, and happiest when surrounded by family. His interests included hunting, dog training, and walking the hills on his farm near the Mississippi River accompanied by his black labs. He was also an avid Marquette basketball fan and season ticket holder for over 20 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, John Mlakar and sister, MaryAnn Kalamarz as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that he missed very much and looked forward to being reunited with one day. 

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 68 years, Rosemarie Mlakar and their children, Gary (Fumiko), Kathleen (Steve) Plechaty, and Karen (Jim) Prudent. He was the proud grandfather of Emily and Thomas Mlakar, Daniel (Kristine) Plechaty, Gregory (Lisa) Plechaty, Laura Plechaty, Haley, Kate and Ethan Prudent. He is further survived by a great granddaughter, Avery Plechaty.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Holy Apostles Catholic Church, 16000 W. National Ave., New Berlin from 9:30AM until the 11:00AM funeral Mass. Private interment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Waukesha. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Apostles Church or to the newly established Steamfitters Local 601 Scholarship Fund. Call Cathy Reinhardt at 414-988-7813 for more information.