Al was born February 26, 1929, in Minneapolis, MN, to William and Madelyn (Robertson) Schlosser. He grew up in Helena and Bremerton, WA. He graduated with “The Great Class of Helena High School” in 1947. All classmates are his honorary pallbearers. Al attended various colleges in pursuit of his Engineering Degree.
He married Gloria J. Perry of Helena, on June 5, 1954, in Helena, MT. They had two children, Kathy and Kevin. Glo passed away in 1976.
Al worked for Mountain Bell for 29 years. He also taught various schools in Denver. He retired from there in 1982 but soon began a second career in Alaska with Telephone Utilities of the Northland, a subsidiary of Pacific Telecom. He had a medical retirement from there in 1991, at which time he returned to the family home in Helena.
Al later married Wanda Wiley in 1983 in Palmer, AK. They made their home throughout Alaska where they enjoyed fishing trips and Al’s affiliation with The Farthest North Elks Lodge, Lodge 1551 in Fairbanks where they participated in many activities. One of his greatest career achievements was organizing Telephone Engineers employed by Fairbanks Municipality into local 1547 of I.B.E.W., while in Alaska.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Gloria, numerous aunts and uncles and his constant companion of the last 15 years, “BJ” his mini doxi. Her ashes will accompany Papa to the Pearly Gates.
Al is survived by his wife Wanda of Helena; daughter Kathy Hampton of Helena, son Kevin (Janice) of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Christopher and Brittany Hampton of Helena; Kimberly Schlosser of Pennsylvania and great granddaughter Kaylie Hampton. He is also survived by his father-in-law Skeg Wiley; sister-in-law Kay (Doug) and nephew Jason all of Billings.
A huge thank you to Dr’s Tom Weiner, Justin Thomas and their staff for treating him and his family with dignity and respect.
Family will receive friends between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 18th, at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, March 19th, at Forestvale Cemetery. Memorials in Al’s name may be made to the Cancer Treatment Center of St. Peter’s Hospital 2474 E. Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, 2112 E. Custer Ave., Helena, MT 59601 or the donor’s choice. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Al.
Denise Hayden says
Wanda, I’m so sorry about Al. I’ll alway’s remember bowling at Daps. He seemed to enjoy it so much. Now he’s at least out of pain!
Jere Hoy says
while it’s been many years since working with Al in Missoula, I remember him well and send heartfelt sympathies to his family. He was one of the good old phone company guys.
Christina Hay(Chrissy) says
Wanda, I am the one who cleaned Al’s room while he was there and I always asked him “How he was doing” and he would tell me that he was marvellous. I want you to know that my husband and I say a prayer for you every night. I always made Al laugh and I know that he appreciated me cleaning his room. God Bless you and your family.
matt & mary Kunnary says
We were so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He was a very wonderful and kind man. Al will be greatly missed.
God Bless you and your family, Wanda.
Matt & Mary Kunnary