Al Udovich passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on September 6, 2022. He was born in Sheboygan on October 29, 1927 to Joseph, Sr. and Louise Udovich. He attended Ss. Cyril & Methodius Grade School and graduated from Central High School, class of 1947.
While in high school in 1943 he practiced teeter board acrobatics and became one of the “Langs” professional acts. They performed in shows on weekends and all summer long until graduation. After that, entertaining was year-round in the U.S. and Canada.
On September 30, 1950 he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Schmidt, at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.
November 1950, seven weeks after their wedding he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Al’s boot camp was at Camp McCoy, WI and further training was at Ft. Knox, KY where he was assigned to the newly formed 487th Transportation Truck Co., designed for Korean warfare. He was one of the few that stayed at Ft. Knox until November 1952 when he was honorably discharged.
His show business and military life quickly became one of work and volunteering. In December 1952 Al started employment at Brunette’s Home Heating and Supply for 18 years as a floor and tile installer. He left Brunette’s and started his own business “Udovich Floor and Tile Installation”. At age 80 he gave away all of his tools and equipment so he could finally completely retire. Al enjoyed working and took pride in his workmanship.
Al was a lifelong member of Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church. He was elected secretary and treasurer of several groups, including the Men’s Club, Building & Grounds for several terms, Bingo Kitchen for 25 years, Usher and Communion Distribution, served on the Cemetery Committee and secretary for the KSKJ (Slovenian insurance organization).
Al was a member and treasurer of Sheboygan Turners, Wisconsin Turner District and Evening Optimist Club, where he was elected to three terms as president and served on several committees. On the national level, he served on the National Council of the American Turners. The Council awarded Al the Gold Honor Key for his dedication, leadership and many years of activity on the local, district and national levels.
For fun and relaxation Al played recreational and competitive volleyball, ran cross country and road races into his early 70’s. The last track and field competition in the 80+ age group, he placed 1st – softball distance throw, 2nd – 50 yd. dash, 2nd – standing long jump, 3rd – shot put and 1st in the 400m run.
Al’s hobby was photography, making slides, movies and photos of memorable moments to treasure.
Al and Carol watched their daughters Roxanne and Michelle’s athletic and other accomplishments with great pride. Later, their grandchildren added more to cheer about.
Al was a wonderful loving husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Carol of nearly 72 years, daughters: Roxanne (Robert) St. Pierre, Michelle (Wayne) Lesperance; grandchildren: Brigette (Paul) David and her children: Zane, Quin and Angus, Matthew Lesperance and Julia St. Pierre; sister: Mary Ann Vikstrom and brother: Leonard Udovich; sisters-in-law: Joanne Hinze, Susan Schmidt and Sofie Schmidt and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and their wives: Joseph, Jr. and Elsie Udovich, Louie and Shirley Udovich, sister and husband: Olga and Herbert Jorsch, his sister: Sister Carmel (Molly) of the Notre Dame School Sisters, infant sister: Theresa; sister-in-law: Evelyn (Leonard) Udovich, brother-in-law: Herbert (Mary Ann) Vikstrom; nephew: Brian Udovich; parents-in-law: Edwin Sr. and Margaret Schmidt; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Roger and Mary Ann Schmidt; brothers-in-law: Karl Schmidt and Edwin Schmidt, Jr.
Visitation will take place at Ss. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church, 822 New Jersey Ave., Sheboygan, on Saturday, September 10, 2022, beginning at 10:30 a.m., with mass following at 12:00 p.m. (masks are optional). Graveside services will be held at Greendale Cemetery following the church service.
The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to all of the nurses and aides who took care of Al, especially the “Angels” of the St. Nicholas Hospice Team, and Drs. Mark Bettag and Matthew Hemsing, for their compassionate care and guidance during this most difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in Al’s name for the St. Nicholas Hospital Foundation, 3100 Superior Ave., Sheboygan.
Funeral arrangements by Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home.
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