Alfred Ferdinand "Al" Semrow

Mr. Alfred Ferdinand Semrow, affectionately known as Al to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Waukesha, WI. Born on July 29, 1938, in Vernon, WI, Al's life was marked by dedication to his family, a strong work ethic, and a love for life's simple pleasures. As Mark Twain once said, "The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." Al lived fully, indeed.
Al was a graduate of Waukesha High School, class of 1957. Shortly after graduation, he began his career at Tom's Heating Service, where he mastered the craft of HVAC and furnace work. His tenure at Tom's Heating spanned 46 years until his retirement in 2003, a testament to his loyalty and expertise. His commitment to excellence was paralleled only by his love for farming, a passion he cultivated while living and working on his grandparents' farm during his high school years. There, he became a lead farmhand, contributing to the family's livelihood with the milk and vegetables they produced and forming lifelong bonds with his siblings, cousins, and other family members who worked alongside him.
On May 16, 1960, Al married his beloved wife, Gloria Semrow at Holy Apostles Catholic Church in New Berlin, WI., and together they embarked on a journey of love and partnership that would span 64 years. Their union was blessed with three sons, Todd (Mary) Semrow, David Semrow (Jamie Plautz), and Greg (Sheryl) Semrow, and their families, who brought joy and pride to Al's life. He was a cherished grandfather to Mitchell, Morgan, Max, Alan, Katie, and Alex, and a loving great-grandfather to Myles and Madison. His role as a patriarch was one, he embraced with warmth and generosity.
Al's passion for life extended beyond his professional and family commitments. In his younger days, he was a race car enthusiast, speeding around Hales Corner Speedway with the same vigor he approached everything in life. Al was also a skilled handyman, a hobby that served him and his loved ones well over the years. He found solace in nature, fishing, hunting and sharing his love for the outdoors with his grandchildren, whether at his cabin on the Peshtigo River or his lake house in Omro, WI.
A friendly and sociable man, Al enjoyed the company of neighbors, friends, and family. He and Gloria were known for their hospitality, hosting memorable gatherings, including their annual Christmas night celebration, which became a cherished tradition for many. Al's presence was a source of joy and comfort in the lives of those around him.
Al is preceded in death by his wife, his parents; Clara Miller and Elmore Semrow, mother-in-law Evelyn Motyka, father-in-law Ervin Kandzora, his sister and brother-in-law Joyce &
Jim Olson, his sister Mary, brother Raymond, and sister-in-law Nadene, along with other beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles. He leaves behind his brother Bob, brother-in-law Richard Willgrubs, his sons and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a community of family members and friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Al Semrow's life was one of commitment, love, and laughter. His enduring legacy will be the strength and unity of the family he nurtured and the countless lives he touched with his kindness. As we bid farewell to Al, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man who, in the words of Twain, lived so fully that he faced the end without fear. Al's memory will live on, not only in the hearts of his family but as a beacon of a life richly and lovingly lived.
A Celebration of Life for Al and Gloria Semrow will be held on Saturday July 26, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am visitation, with a memorial service immediately following at: ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2400 Les Paul Pkwy Waukesha, WI 53189.
Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659 Online Obit, Condolences, Directions www.churchandchapel.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alfred "Al", please visit our floral store.