Longtime BMW motorcycle rider, Francis Leroy (Mule) Alft, town of Grant ("Stick County"), 68, died at Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield, on Friday evening, Dec. 29, 2006, from complications following emergency aortic aneurysm surgery Dec. 6, 2006.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner. The Revs. Kevin Ader and Harold Keekley will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.
He was the 10th of 11 children, born to Ed and Mabel (Laging) Alft in the town of Grant on March 31, 1938. He attended Pearl and Howe grade schools and Lincoln High School.
On May 1, 1965, he married Susan Lee Eberhardt, daughter of John and Leona (Neumann) Eberhardt, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kellner. He was a member of St. John's and had served as a trustee for several years.
In about 1956, he and local Triumph dealer Glenn Bring and other English bike riders, organized a British and Indian motorcycle club in Wisconsin Rapids, known as "The Angels." When local Harley-Davidson riders wanted to join with them, the club was chartered with the American Motorcycle Association in 1959 as the present "Rapid Angels Motorcycle Club." Francis was president of the Rapid Angels for many years and also was a lifetime member on the board of directors. He helped get funding for Dyracuse Park in the town of Rome from the Motorcycle Recreation Program of Wisconsin.
He had a vast collection of antique cars and motorcycles, and was known for never selling anything. He had his first motorcycle, a Famous James, at the age of 15. After that, he owned a Harley. In 1956, he purchased a new Triumph from Bring's. In 1958, he purchased a BMW motorcycle (the "Long Runner") which he still owned. From 1960 through 1984, he drag-raced, scrambled and hillclimbed on a BMW. He also was a charter life member of the American Motorcyclist Association and a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. He and Sue rode to many motorcycle events and rallies throughout the country and rode to the Sturgis, S.D., motorcycle rally many years.
He purchased a new 1961 Chevy Impala, which he still owned. He was a member and past president of the Stevens Point Old Car Club and parked cars at the Iola Car Show for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Creepers Car Club of Wisconsin Rapids. In the 1960s, he raced a stock car known as "The Mule."
He was a former member of the Kellner Knights Snowmobile Club and a past member and served on the board of directors of the Tri-City Horse Riding Club.
He was a journeyman painter with Alft Decorators Inc. for several years. He then had his own business, known as Francis Alft Painting Inc. He was a member of the International Painters' Union and was the president of Locals 374 and 832 for many years. He also did custom sandblasting.
In 1985, he was elected supervisor and served on the board of the town of Grant for eight years.
He was known as "Grandpa Street Rod" by grandchildren Cody and Cassie.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; son, John (Vicki Gaden) Alft; daughter, Wendy (Jim) Kiedrowski; grandchildren, Cody and Cassie Kiedrowski, brothers, Harold and Dale (Joan), and Edward, sisters, Margaret (Gene) Longpre, Eleanor (Harold) McLellan, Necedah and Delores "Tootie" (Larry Sr.) Downing.
He also is survived by sisters-in-law, Virginia, Marly and Carol Alft; and father-in-law, John Eberhardt; brothers-in-law, Gordy (Arlene) Eberhardt and Don (Gayle) Eberhardt, and sister-in-law, Linda (Craig) Schlottman.
He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Carl, Oscar, Lester and Jerry; sisters-in-law, Connie, Dorothy, Pauline and Elaine Alft; and his mother-in-law.
He has gone to heaven to join his family and his mother-in-law, Leona, who already is making him chocolate chip cookies and homemade doughnuts.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner. The Revs. Kevin Ader and Harold Keekley will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.
He was the 10th of 11 children, born to Ed and Mabel (Laging) Alft in the town of Grant on March 31, 1938. He attended Pearl and Howe grade schools and Lincoln High School.
On May 1, 1965, he married Susan Lee Eberhardt, daughter of John and Leona (Neumann) Eberhardt, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kellner. He was a member of St. John's and had served as a trustee for several years.
In about 1956, he and local Triumph dealer Glenn Bring and other English bike riders, organized a British and Indian motorcycle club in Wisconsin Rapids, known as "The Angels." When local Harley-Davidson riders wanted to join with them, the club was chartered with the American Motorcycle Association in 1959 as the present "Rapid Angels Motorcycle Club." Francis was president of the Rapid Angels for many years and also was a lifetime member on the board of directors. He helped get funding for Dyracuse Park in the town of Rome from the Motorcycle Recreation Program of Wisconsin.
He had a vast collection of antique cars and motorcycles, and was known for never selling anything. He had his first motorcycle, a Famous James, at the age of 15. After that, he owned a Harley. In 1956, he purchased a new Triumph from Bring's. In 1958, he purchased a BMW motorcycle (the "Long Runner") which he still owned. From 1960 through 1984, he drag-raced, scrambled and hillclimbed on a BMW. He also was a charter life member of the American Motorcyclist Association and a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. He and Sue rode to many motorcycle events and rallies throughout the country and rode to the Sturgis, S.D., motorcycle rally many years.
He purchased a new 1961 Chevy Impala, which he still owned. He was a member and past president of the Stevens Point Old Car Club and parked cars at the Iola Car Show for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Creepers Car Club of Wisconsin Rapids. In the 1960s, he raced a stock car known as "The Mule."
He was a former member of the Kellner Knights Snowmobile Club and a past member and served on the board of directors of the Tri-City Horse Riding Club.
He was a journeyman painter with Alft Decorators Inc. for several years. He then had his own business, known as Francis Alft Painting Inc. He was a member of the International Painters' Union and was the president of Locals 374 and 832 for many years. He also did custom sandblasting.
In 1985, he was elected supervisor and served on the board of the town of Grant for eight years.
He was known as "Grandpa Street Rod" by grandchildren Cody and Cassie.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; son, John (Vicki Gaden) Alft; daughter, Wendy (Jim) Kiedrowski; grandchildren, Cody and Cassie Kiedrowski, brothers, Harold and Dale (Joan), and Edward, sisters, Margaret (Gene) Longpre, Eleanor (Harold) McLellan, Necedah and Delores "Tootie" (Larry Sr.) Downing.
He also is survived by sisters-in-law, Virginia, Marly and Carol Alft; and father-in-law, John Eberhardt; brothers-in-law, Gordy (Arlene) Eberhardt and Don (Gayle) Eberhardt, and sister-in-law, Linda (Craig) Schlottman.
He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Carl, Oscar, Lester and Jerry; sisters-in-law, Connie, Dorothy, Pauline and Elaine Alft; and his mother-in-law.
He has gone to heaven to join his family and his mother-in-law, Leona, who already is making him chocolate chip cookies and homemade doughnuts.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Longtime BMW motorcycle rider, Francis Leroy (Mule) Alft, town of Grant ("Stick County"), 68, died at Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield, on Friday evening, Dec. 29, 2006, from complications following emergency aortic aneurysm surgery Dec. 6, 2006.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner. The Revs. Kevin Ader and Harold Keekley will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.
He was the 10th of 11 children, born to Ed and Mabel (Laging) Alft in the town of Grant on March 31, 1938. He attended Pearl and Howe grade schools and Lincoln High School.
On May 1, 1965, he married Susan Lee Eberhardt, daughter of John and Leona (Neumann) Eberhardt, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kellner. He was a member of St. John's and had served as a trustee for several years.
In about 1956, he and local Triumph dealer Glenn Bring and other English bike riders, organized a British and Indian motorcycle club in Wisconsin Rapids, known as "The Angels." When local Harley-Davidson riders wanted to join with them, the club was chartered with the American Motorcycle Association in 1959 as the present "Rapid Angels Motorcycle Club." Francis was president of the Rapid Angels for many years and also was a lifetime member on the board of directors. He helped get funding for Dyracuse Park in the town of Rome from the Motorcycle Recreation Program of Wisconsin.
He had a vast collection of antique cars and motorcycles, and was known for never selling anything. He had his first motorcycle, a Famous James, at the age of 15. After that, he owned a Harley. In 1956, he purchased a new Triumph from Bring's. In 1958, he purchased a BMW motorcycle (the "Long Runner") which he still owned. From 1960 through 1984, he drag-raced, scrambled and hillclimbed on a BMW. He also was a charter life member of the American Motorcyclist Association and a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. He and Sue rode to many motorcycle events and rallies throughout the country and rode to the Sturgis, S.D., motorcycle rally many years.
He purchased a new 1961 Chevy Impala, which he still owned. He was a member and past president of the Stevens Point Old Car Club and parked cars at the Iola Car Show for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Creepers Car Club of Wisconsin Rapids. In the 1960s, he raced a stock car known as "The Mule."
He was a former member of the Kellner Knights Snowmobile Club and a past member and served on the board of directors of the Tri-City Horse Riding Club.
He was a journeyman painter with Alft Decorators Inc. for several years. He then had his own business, known as Francis Alft Painting Inc. He was a member of the International Painters' Union and was the president of Locals 374 and 832 for many years. He also did custom sandblasting.
In 1985, he was elected supervisor and served on the board of the town of Grant for eight years.
He was known as "Grandpa Street Rod" by grandchildren Cody and Cassie.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; son, John (Vicki Gaden) Alft; daughter, Wendy (Jim) Kiedrowski; grandchildren, Cody and Cassie Kiedrowski, brothers, Harold and Dale (Joan), and Edward, sisters, Margaret (Gene) Longpre, Eleanor (Harold) McLellan, Necedah and Delores "Tootie" (Larry Sr.) Downing.
He also is survived by sisters-in-law, Virginia, Marly and Carol Alft; and father-in-law, John Eberhardt; brothers-in-law, Gordy (Arlene) Eberhardt and Don (Gayle) Eberhardt, and sister-in-law, Linda (Craig) Schlottman.
He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Carl, Oscar, Lester and Jerry; sisters-in-law, Connie, Dorothy, Pauline and Elaine Alft; and his mother-in-law.
He has gone to heaven to join his family and his mother-in-law, Leona, who already is making him chocolate chip cookies and homemade doughnuts.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at St. John Lutheran Church in Kellner. The Revs. Kevin Ader and Harold Keekley will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.
He was the 10th of 11 children, born to Ed and Mabel (Laging) Alft in the town of Grant on March 31, 1938. He attended Pearl and Howe grade schools and Lincoln High School.
On May 1, 1965, he married Susan Lee Eberhardt, daughter of John and Leona (Neumann) Eberhardt, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Kellner. He was a member of St. John's and had served as a trustee for several years.
In about 1956, he and local Triumph dealer Glenn Bring and other English bike riders, organized a British and Indian motorcycle club in Wisconsin Rapids, known as "The Angels." When local Harley-Davidson riders wanted to join with them, the club was chartered with the American Motorcycle Association in 1959 as the present "Rapid Angels Motorcycle Club." Francis was president of the Rapid Angels for many years and also was a lifetime member on the board of directors. He helped get funding for Dyracuse Park in the town of Rome from the Motorcycle Recreation Program of Wisconsin.
He had a vast collection of antique cars and motorcycles, and was known for never selling anything. He had his first motorcycle, a Famous James, at the age of 15. After that, he owned a Harley. In 1956, he purchased a new Triumph from Bring's. In 1958, he purchased a BMW motorcycle (the "Long Runner") which he still owned. From 1960 through 1984, he drag-raced, scrambled and hillclimbed on a BMW. He also was a charter life member of the American Motorcyclist Association and a member of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America and BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. He and Sue rode to many motorcycle events and rallies throughout the country and rode to the Sturgis, S.D., motorcycle rally many years.
He purchased a new 1961 Chevy Impala, which he still owned. He was a member and past president of the Stevens Point Old Car Club and parked cars at the Iola Car Show for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Creepers Car Club of Wisconsin Rapids. In the 1960s, he raced a stock car known as "The Mule."
He was a former member of the Kellner Knights Snowmobile Club and a past member and served on the board of directors of the Tri-City Horse Riding Club.
He was a journeyman painter with Alft Decorators Inc. for several years. He then had his own business, known as Francis Alft Painting Inc. He was a member of the International Painters' Union and was the president of Locals 374 and 832 for many years. He also did custom sandblasting.
In 1985, he was elected supervisor and served on the board of the town of Grant for eight years.
He was known as "Grandpa Street Rod" by grandchildren Cody and Cassie.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; son, John (Vicki Gaden) Alft; daughter, Wendy (Jim) Kiedrowski; grandchildren, Cody and Cassie Kiedrowski, brothers, Harold and Dale (Joan), and Edward, sisters, Margaret (Gene) Longpre, Eleanor (Harold) McLellan, Necedah and Delores "Tootie" (Larry Sr.) Downing.
He also is survived by sisters-in-law, Virginia, Marly and Carol Alft; and father-in-law, John Eberhardt; brothers-in-law, Gordy (Arlene) Eberhardt and Don (Gayle) Eberhardt, and sister-in-law, Linda (Craig) Schlottman.
He also is survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Carl, Oscar, Lester and Jerry; sisters-in-law, Connie, Dorothy, Pauline and Elaine Alft; and his mother-in-law.
He has gone to heaven to join his family and his mother-in-law, Leona, who already is making him chocolate chip cookies and homemade doughnuts.
Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home and from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Inscription
Auf Wiedersehen
Marrid May 1, 1965
Parents of John & Wendy
