Albert Charles Exner II

The family of Albert Charles Exner II is heartbroken to announce that our patriarch passed away on October 14, 2024, at the age of 98. Al was a member of the greatest generation as well as our hero. 

Al was born on October 17, 1925, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Anna Chopyak and Albert Charles Exner. He was raised and attended school in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The family moved after his freshman year to Racine where Al attended and graduated from Washington Park High School in 1943. 

When Al was five, his father, who was a police officer, was killed in the line of duty. This tragic event forever changed him. By the age of seven, Al was working and contributing to his family’s income. He swept the sidewalks of the Riviera Ballroom; by nine, he was selling newspapers on the corner and washing eggs. Because of this life-altering tragedy, Al developed a work ethic, a compassion and understanding of the need to help others, a generous spirit, and a reverence for life.  

At the age of 17 and right after graduating from high school, Al enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a pharmacist mate 2C surgical technician. This was a difficult decision for Al and his mother since they had already lost his father. He participated in both the European and Pacific Theaters during World War II. He served at Southampton Waters in England with “SNAG 56” during the Normandy Invasion. After Normandy he was transferred to the USS Lubbock for the invasion of Iwo Jima, witnessing the two American flag raisings, which was one of his proudest moments as an American. Finally, Al served at the Invasion of Okinawa (Purple Beach II). After the war ended, he was stationed on the USS Wildcat in Manila Bay in the Philippines.

Once back at home on November 8, 1947, Al married Norma Mae Slack at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waukesha. With their Catholic faith as their foundation, they built a life together raising their four beloved children. Norma and Al were devoted to each other, and he was the ying to her yang. Although seldom separated, when the occasion arose that they were apart, Al called to tell Norma how much he loved and missed her. Their constant and abiding love for each other was apparent to all who knew them.  

Al consistently loved, supported and treasured his family. He was always interested in what was important to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and he was proud of their accomplishments. He reveled in being together for family gatherings and special occasions. The bigger the party, the more he liked it. Together Al and Norma developed friendships that endured throughout their 77 years of marriage. 

Al thrived while working for Wyeth Laboratories (Pfizer) for 38 years; he was a salesman, district manager, and finally in charge of the division. He firmly believed in the pharmaceutical products he sold and enjoyed extolling the benefits of Wyeth products to hospitals, doctors and nurses. 

After retirement, Al enjoyed 18 years working as a tour director for Wisconsin Coach Lines. He loved meeting people, traveling to new places and being in charge.  

Volunteering was part of Al’s nature. He was active at the Tyme Out Youth Center, was past president of the Waukesha Golden K Kiwanis and recipient of that organization’s Hixon Award. Al served as a hole captain for the Greater Milwaukee Open and other PGA events and volunteered for Waukesha’s Christmas Clearing Council and mission trips to Peru. He was also part of two humanitarian missions to the Philippines under the auspices of the “Free Eye Clinic,” a Madison based nonprofit. During those international clinics, Al assisted doctors with actual cataract surgeries. If the cause was worthwhile, Al said, “Yes.” 

During the late 1990s, Al was invited to serve on a panel of veterans at Waukesha County high schools. He was a reluctant participant, but after that event, he became a sought-after speaker who was able to share what he experienced during World War II. He eloquently delivered a message detailing the sacrifices made by members of the military and the horror of war to every high school, retirement home, community group and veterans’ organization he addressed. He was adamant about educating future generations about the cost of freedom and the need to respect the flag. Al was proud to have traveled to Washington D.C. with his fellow veterans on one of the Honor Flights. His comments about the moving and emotional experience were included in a trailer shown at Marcus Cinemas in the 2000s.  

Al is survived by his cherished wife, Norma Mae; his beloved children, daughter Susan Exner Ruf; his sons A. Charles (Margaret) Exner III and Thomas (Julie) Exner. He was a dedicated grandfather to Margaret Ruf (Alex) Keresztes, Thomas (Allison) Exner, Daniel (Elaine) Exner, Abby Exner (Michael) Spittler, Sarah Exner (Robert) Horner, Tyler Exner and Garret (Niki) Horton. He is further survived as a loving great-grandfather by Luciana, Elena and Mariana Keresztes, Annie Exner, Margot Exner, Ellie and Ben Spittler, Bobby and Samantha Horner, and Easton and Haisley Horton. He is also survived by his brother-in-law John “Duke” Slack of Lisle, Illinois.  

Al was preceded in death by his infant children, Suzanne and Robert; his daughter Christine Exner Horton; his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Irene Exner; his sister-in-law, Ellen Slack; and brother-in-law James “Pat” Slack.  

The family extends their heartfelt thanks for the exemplary care Al received from Dr. Heather Brown and her team; to all his caregivers throughout the last few years, including the Filipino group, Jimmy and Kevin; and especially to Marian. 

Al's visitation will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 225 South Hartwell Avenue, Waukesha, Wisconsin, from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Lunch will be served in the Community Room after the Mass.  

Private interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Waukesha.