Alfred J.
Niesen
Visitation Thursday, March 24 at
Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. 84th St., Greenfield from 4:00 PM
until the time of the prayer service at 6:00 PM
Visitation resumes Friday, March 25 at
St. Mary Catholic Faith Community, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave. from 10:00 AM
until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery
Alfred J. Niesen, 88, of Hales Corners, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at VITAS Ruth Hospice House in West Allis. Al arrived on May 5, 1933, in Milwaukee, fourth of six children born to Alfred and Margaret (Martin) Niesen. Preceding Al in death are his parents, five sisters: Mary Lou (Dean) Einerson, Margaret Ellen Yahle, Althea (Raymond) Illa, Ida Niesen, and Laurel (Donald) Nurnberg, and his in-laws Leonard and Ethel Rutzinski.
As a newly minted graduate of Milwaukee Teachers College (now UW Milwaukee), Al met Arlene M. Rutzinski, the love of his life. They married on December 29, 1956, just before Al joined the Navy, where he served as an ensign. Discharged after three years, Al moved his family to Hales Corners. The couple moved into their house on Leap Day, 1960. Three children – Nancy, Paul and Donna – were raised in this home; When his mother-in-law Ethel passed in 1965, Al became a guardian of two sisters-in-law, Mary Anne and Patricia.
Al and Arlene would live and love each other in their Hales Corners home for the length of their marriage.
“Mr. Niesen” taught at Alexander Graham Bell Junior High School for 32 years. He began teaching English and social studies but moved on to science and mathematics. In his last years at Bell, he was instrumental in setting up the school’s first computer lab. He also helped hundreds of young people learn to drive safely in summer driver’s education classes.
In retirement, Al enjoyed spending time with Arlene at their cottage near Woodruff. The years became comfortably crowded with six grandchildren: Alyssa (Ben) Wilda and Ted Butch; Dan and Matt Niesen; Eric and Amanda Danihel. Al held two great-grandchildren (Ella and Charlie Wilda) in his arms in his last years. His love for his wife and their family lives on in our hearts.
Al is survived by his dear wife of 65 years, Arlene, and his children: Nancy (Ted) Butch, Paul (Yvonne) Niesen, and Donna (Jeff) Danihel. He is further survived by brothers and sisters-in law, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
The family extends their gratitude to the staff at VITAS for the compassionate care they provided Al and the consideration shown to his family.
Visitation Thursday, March 24 at Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. 84th St., Greenfield from 4:00 PM until the time of the prayer service at 6:00 PM. Visitation resumes Friday, March 25 at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave. from 10:00 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Donations to the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin are appreciated.
heritagefuneral.com
My deepest sympathy to the Niesen family. I had Mr. Niesen as an English and Social Studies teacher at Bell Jr. High School back in the 1960’s. I always enjoyed his classes. He was an awesome teacher and person. Rest in peace, Mr. Niesen. It was a pleasure to have known you and you will always be remembered.