Al (Emil) Gluck, 83 of Menomonie, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2015 at Mayo Hospital in Eau Claire from numerous health issues.  He was born on January 12, 1932 in Matezsalka, Hungary, and immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1938.  He lived in the Bronx, New York City, until joining the army in 1951, where he was stationed in Germany with the army/airforce division for water supply projects.

He began his business career in the drapery fabric wholesale sector, working for several large fabric companies, including Chicago Branch Manager and Vice President of Fabricut Fabrics.  While in the Chicago area he met and married Joanne Milewski of Thorp, Wisconsin, in 1976 and together they moved to Barron, Wisconsin, and ran the Barron Greenhouse.  Their expansion included the Menomonie Floral and Gift Shop, Eau Claire Floral and Chippewa Falls Floral.  Upon moving to Menomonie in 1984, he started his apartment property management company, A & J Management.  He had several other business interest throughout the years from resorts to shopping malls.

He was a Board Member of the U W Stout Foundation, a student exchange program director with Rotary International, Main Street organizational member, and several other clubs and activities.

Al enjoyed his retirement home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas as often as he could.  He so enjoyed the comradeship of all of his golf buddies and social friends.  He always felt so lucky to have traveled the world, and especially enjoyed his family, cooking, golfing, newspapers, internet and socializing with friends and family.  His special joy was his yearly winter vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.  He is survived by his wife Joanne; his son, Joel (Sandra) Gluck, San Rafael, CA; daughter, Joy Elohim, Ashland, OR; granddaughters, Lauren Gluck, Chattanoga, TN and Cara Gluck, San Rafael, CA and his niece Rita (Kevin) Lenfant, Bloomer; great nephew, Jeff (Heather) Lenfant, Menomonie; great nephew Marc Lenfant, Chippewa Fall; great niece Amanda (Paul) Kollwitz, New Auburn; and his joy the great-great nephews and nieces, Zach, Emma, Easton, Jett, Lincoln and Livia.  “Uncle Al” was a big presence in his family’s life and will be sadly missed but remembered with love.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Geza and Freda Gluck and his brother, Andrew Gluck.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM Friday, April 3, 2015 at Rhiel Funeral Home in Menomonie.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 pm Thursday at Rhiel Funeral Home and an hour prior to services at the funeral home on Friday.

Condolences

1. Mike Koby April 15, 2015, at 12:07pm

   Sorry to hear of the death of your husband. Your time together must have been full of energy and life ( and maybe a few struggles along the way). Hope your family's happiness can continue with the help of his spirit. Take care.

2. Denny and Connie Pederson April 9, 2015, at 2:40pm

   Dear Joanne,

   I am so sorry to hear of Al's passing. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

3. Rex and Loretta Brewer April 6, 2015, at 7:42pm

   Rex and I are so sorry for your loss; not only your beloved husband but your best friend. He is a great loss to family and friends. Al was a bigger than life guy and he will always be remembered for his kindness and making all his friends feel special. Our prayers are with you. Rex and Loretta

4. Richard and Sandy Carlson April 6, 2015, at 6:05pm

   Sandy and I were saddened by the news of your loss of Al, a very fine gentleman. Enjoy the million great. Memories you both shared together

5. Jill Williams April 4, 2015, at 8:20am

   Joann, I am so sorry for your loss! I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Even though I never met Al, I felt like I knew him through the wonderful things you always would talk about. Hugs to you also! Jill Williams

6. Wally Staniec April 2, 2015, at 8:28pm

   Joanne, I'm so sorry to hear this. My sympathy to you and your family.

7. Gary Cogley April 2, 2015, at 5:53pm

   Joanne: I'm saddened to hear of Al's passing. I considered him a good friend. He will be missed in the fabric of the Menomonie community. Condolences to you and your family.

8. Bob & Bette Burgfechtel April 1, 2015, at 7:50pm

   Joanne
   All of our times on Earth pass so quickly, and it seems like Al's life was also a blur of a mix of work, fun travel, and friendships. He will be missed. We enjoyed him greatly, and know you will carry on in the spirit of friendship as you always have. Our Sincere Condolences to you and your families.
   ••Bob & Bette Burgfechtel**

9. Bill and Frances Powell April 1, 2015, at 2:06pm

   Dear Joanne and family,
   We were so sorry to read about Al's passing
   Unfortunately we've been so busy these last few years that we didn't get together much with the two of you.
   We remember with fondness the many good times that we have shared with you and Al, especially Puerto Vallarta and Bingo, Bango, Bongo. Al was always so positive, energetic, and enthusiastic. We know that he had numerous health issues and he is at rest now.
   With sincere sympathy and love
   Bill and Frances Powell

10. Al and Nancy Curry April 1, 2015, at 1:58pm

    We are in Florida Joanne or we would have been there.
    We are sorry for the loss of your soul mate, u-2 were
    close and that makes it so hard. Even though you know..
    it doesn't make it any easier. Your are in our prayers. Hang in there...your a strong woman. Carry on....Nancy and Al Curry

11. Dana Peick April 1, 2015, at 10:05am

    Those we love can NEVER be more than a thought away. As long as there is a memory of Al, he will live in your heart and in the heart of each family everyday. Thinking of you, Joanne!

12. Debbie & Dennis Cox April 1, 2015, at 9:43am

    Joanne, we were blessed to have met you and Al at your home in HSV. Our memories will be of that evening of laughter, smiles, and fellowship. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

13. John and Sylvia Matthews March 31, 2015, at 8:04pm

    Joanne, what a wonderful picture of Al....just as we all remember him. So sorry we didn't see more of you in the last few years as "neighbors across the fairway!" We will hold you and your family in our prayers. Remember the good times and God Bless You All! John & Sylvia Matthews

14. John and Sylvia Matthews March 31, 2015, at 8:03pm

    Joanne, what a wonderful picture of Al....just as we all remember him. So sorry we didn't see more of you in the last few years as "neighbors across the fairway!" We will hold you and your family in our prayers. Remember the good times and God Bless You All! John & Sylvia Matthews

15. Alice Tinsman March 31, 2015, at 5:08pm

    We are keeping you and your family in our prayers. We send our love during this difficult time. May God give you comfort,

16. Larry & Sandy Hoelting March 31, 2015, at 4:56pm

    We were so very sorry to hear about Al's passing. The memories abound from his many stories, to golf, dinners, many emails, and later becoming neighbors, he has left us with a big hole in our hearts. His beautiful smile and positive attitude was incredible! Even the last time we visited with him in MN in October and he struggled to walk, there was that beautiful smile and his GREAT positive attitude...nothing was going to stop him! What a forever impression he has left with us all. God be with you and your family...bless you, keep you!

17. Faye Cardenas March 31, 2015, at 3:33pm

    Well shoot! This is indeed sad news and difficult to swallow! Al...and of course Joanne, have been in my life since we all purchased weeks at Los Tules condo resort in Puerto Vallarta many years ago. Al was often the organizer...and trouble maker (a loved one) in much of the trouble we all managed to get into over the years. He was a man of strong passions and opinions, which I think is admirable and I always respected. Will miss him greatly..he was wonderful fun and full of enthusiasm. May his spirt soar.

18. Cheryl & Phil March 31, 2015, at 3:14pm

    We are so sad to hear of Al's passing. We have been remembering all the fun times and adventures with you both. He was a very special person and will truly be missed by us and countless others.

19. Earl & Jeanne Ballard March 31, 2015, at 3:07pm

    So sorry to hear of Al's passing . He was big fun and the best story teller of all! We will keep him and you in our prayers

20. Melissa "Wyttenbach" Bertelson March 31, 2015, at 2:12pm

    My deepest condolences for your loss. Al was a well loved man and he will be missed by many. May he rest in peace.

21. Bev Thompson March 31, 2015, at 2:10pm

    I was so sorry to hear of Al's passing, what a beautiful picture of him...always smiling. That's how I'll always remember him. You and your family take care and I hope to see you soon.

22. Jerry & Ruth Kosoglow March 31, 2015, at 12:06pm

    Great friend, very generous man we will miss greatly. We loved his great stories of life and his sense of humor.

23. Donna & Richard Sloan March 31, 2015, at 11:48am

    Joanne
    So so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved, Al. Our favorite memory of him is the night we came to your beautiful place in PV, & went to dinner with you guys & the Kimmes'. I know how much he loved it there! We will keep you & the family in our thoughts & prayers. Donna & Richard

24. Nadene Stucky March 31, 2015, at 9:54am

    Dear Joanne
    So sorry for your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
    Love
    Nadene and Ron

25. Ray and Donna Saxe March 31, 2015, at 9:15am

    Joanne, we are very sorry to hear of Al's passing. Our thought and prayers are with you and the family at this sad time. With our deepest sympathy, Ray and Donna Saxe and family

26. Lynda Cran March 30, 2015, at 7:49pm

    Sorry to hear about Al's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Joanne, and the extended family. So Sorry again.

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