Aloys "Al" Wenker

Aloys J. “Al” Wenker, age 98 of Albany, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home in Albany, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 20 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Edward Vebelun, O.S.B. officiating. Interment will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Freeport.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the Seven Dolors Gathering Area in Albany.

Aloys Joseph Wenker was born October 13, 1923 in Albany Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Bernard and Julianna (Hoeschen) Wenker. He attended Sacred Heart School in Freeport through the eighth grade. Al graduated from Albany High School, Salutatorian of the class of 1941. He farmed the land that his parents owned alongside his brother, Bill Wenker. Al milked cows, raised hogs, cattle, and laying chickens.

Al was active in Sacred Heart Parish in Freeport. He served as Chief Ranger of the Catholic Order of Foresters. At the pastor’s request, Al organized and led the first Parish Council. He was a member of the choir and served as director for many years. He co-chaired the parish Centennial Celebration in July of 1981. Al was a Parish Trustee and served in that role for seventeen years. He also formed the Knights of Columbus Men’s Choir and was a Crosier Apostolate.

Al married Marjorie “Marge” Pemble on July 28, 1990. After marrying Marge, he moved to Albany and became active in the parish ministries at Seven Dolors Parish. He was an active member of the Albany community and was involved with Meals on Wheels, Albany Senior Citizens, Albany Heritage Society, Albany Pioneer Club, and Stearns County History Museum.

He enjoyed traveling, singing, camping with family, bowling, attending daily Mass and having coffee with friends. Al was an avid card player and enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, and stepchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Marge Wenker of Albany; and stepchildren, Greg (Becky) Pemble of Cold Spring, Renee (Mike) Doetkott of Becker, Sharon (Rod) Radosevich of River Falls, Wisconsin, Steve (Lisa) Pemble of Albany, and Mike (Julie) Pemble of River Falls, Wisconsin; and ten grandchildren.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; brothers and sisters, Marie Dirkes, Clara Meyer, and Della Ehlert; and brothers, Joseph, William, and Maurice “Max” Wenker.

We wish to extend a special thanks to the Mother of Mercy Nursing Home staff and the wonderful care he was given.