Allan "Al" J. Babl

Allan “Al” J. Babl, 81, passed away Monday, December 22, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

He was born April 11, 1944, in Wausau, son of the late George and Rose (Corazalla) Babl. In 1980, he married Celeste Szymanski at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau.

Al graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1962, earning multiple football scholarships. He chose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he completed his education and earned a master’s degree. After college, Al moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois, where he spent several years teaching before returning to Wisconsin.

Back home, Al worked alongside his father at George Babl & Sons, then went on to a career as a salesman with Drott Manufacturing. He later became a realtor, working with Century 21 and eventually retiring from First Weber.

Al held a pilot’s license and had a lifelong love of flying and travel. He also enjoyed seeing the countryside from his BMW motorcycle. In his younger years, Al was proud to be one of the first members of the ski patrol at Rib Mountain. His many interests included hunting, martial arts, especially Aikido and a playful sense of humor that shone through at Halloween, when he delighted in decorating and dressing up to scare trick-or-treaters.

A devoted hockey dad, Al loved traveling to watch his son Tyler play and was the team’s enthusiastic amateur photographer, capturing countless team photos over the years. He was also an avid golfer, with others often joking that he spent as much time searching for golf balls as playing the game.

Survivors include his wife, Celeste; son, Tyler (Cindy Sherfinski) Babl; sister, Christine Gilbreath; sisters-in-law, Sandra Babl, Marta Babl, Carol (Fred) Shindle, Eve (Jack) Keck; brother-in-law, Mark (Lisa) Szymanski; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Kenneth, Daniel “Tito”, Ronald “Buck”, sister, Jean (Tom) Carlson and brother-in-law, Tom Gilbreath.

Funeral service will be 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2025, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth St., Wausau. Visitation will be Thursday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service all at the Sixth Street funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

The family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Aspirus Wausau Hospital for the compassionate care given to Al during his time there. Also, to Peterson/Kraemer for their kind guidance during this difficult time.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com