Alfred L. Hidde, 84, New London, passed away to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.
He was born on March 27, 1931, the sixth child of nine born to Oscar and Myrtle (Learman) Hidde on a farm south of New London. Alfred was baptized and confirmed at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London. In 1952, he was drafted in to the US Army. On July 3, 1954, he married Viola Hegewald, they lived in Northport for 32 years on the banks of the Wolf River. He worked jobs in the valley and on a mink ranch for three years and then at Hillshire Farms for 40 years, 18 of them as a supervisor, retiring in 1993. Al helped start the Mukwa Fire Department and the union at Hillshire Farms; serving as the President for six years. He loved to hunt ducks, pheasants and especially deer. Al and Vi loved to fish on the Wolf River, catching many, the largest a 45 pound Mississippi bullhead. He also enjoyed trout fishing. Al and Vi camped and traveled extensively through most of the United States and also central and western Canada; visiting Vi’s relatives in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. In October 2003, Vi developed cancer, Al cared for her, both at home and at St. Joseph Residence until she lost her battle on April 12, 2007. He himself was a colon cancer survivor since June of 1996. Al had many friends at St. Joseph Residence; he volunteered helping patients, going to church bingo, and other things.
He is survived by a brother, Melvin (Janice) Hidde; sister, Alice Jonely, New London; sister-in-law, LaVonne Hidde, Weyauwega and also numerous, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; including Vi’s cousins, Harold Muskevitsch and Joyce Beyer who were very close to him. Al is further survived by a very dear friend, Irma Lucht, whom he met when Vi was at St. Joseph Residence and Irma’s roommate Fern Drechsel. Following Vi and Fern’s death, Irma and Al became very good friends, going out to eat, going to church, traveling to Canada and other places. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Vi of nearly 53 years, father and mother in-law, Bill (Alice) Hegewald; brothers and sisters-in-law, Victor (Ione) Hidde; Glen (Sarah) Hidde, Harold (Linda) Hidde; Carl Hidde; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy (H.L.) Raper; Hilda (Gordon) Fronczak and Kenneth Jonely.
Funeral services for Al will be held on Friday, January 29, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London with Rev. William Heiges officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Ostrander Northport Cemetery, Town of Mukwa.
The family would like to especially thank FVHO, WIU, ThedaCare, St. Joseph Residence and Heartland Hospice for their dedicated and heartfelt care and guidance throughout Al’s journey and also the pastors and staff at Emanuel Lutheran Church.
“Thumbs Up Uncle Al”
The Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London is serving the family. www.clinehansonfuneralhome.com