Olson Burke-Sullivan Funeral And Cremation Center

Obituary Detail

October 19, 1943 September 24, 2021
October 19, 1943 -- September 24, 2021

Allen Lee Wiederer, Age:77

Allen L. Wiederer, 77, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Sept. 24, 2021 after a brief battle with sarcoma. He was the beloved husband to Patricia (Kelliher) for 53 years, role model to his children Edward, Kimberly (Jansen), and Daniel, a devoted grandfather to Julia (Jansen), McRae, Ryan and Abigail, and younger brother of Gregg.

Allen was born in Chicago on Oct. 19, 1943, to Aloysius and Helen (Heino). He graduated from Lakeview High School in 1961 and then served in the United States Navy as an aviation electronics technician until 1964. After his tour, he worked for Delta Airlines as an avionics technician and enrolled at DePaul University, earning a BA in psychology in 1971 and a JD in 1973. While in law school, he worked as a bailiff for Judge John Stamos of the Illinois Appellate Court. In his subsequent 47-year law career, he worked for the State Appellate Defender, the Chicago law firm of Jesmer and Harris, and finally operated his own private practice.

"Big Al" enjoyed golfing -- he made two birdies at the Kapalua Bay course this summer and was determined to break 90 one last time before cancer cut his quest short. He also loved to cook and made a great chicken parmigiana. Al was also into homebrewing (and sampling) his own beer. He was an avid traveler and pegged Hawaii as his favorite destination, fueling his passions for snorkeling, scuba diving, and body surfing. Al also found a thrill in following his grandchildren's exploits in the athletic arena, on the stage and in the classroom, often giving them added push and advice on how they could do just a little better.

A memorial service will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28, at Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral and Cremation Center, 6467 N. Northwest Hwy., 773-774-3333.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to either the Sarcoma Foundation of America -- to improve detection and treatment of this rare but brutal disease -- or the Sierra Club -- to help preserve and protect the wonders of nature that Al loved so his grandchildren and future generations can continue to enjoy them. Your photos or stories of good times with Big Al would also be welcome.

Services

Oct 12th
Memorial Service
October 12, 2022
4:00 PM
Olson Burke Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center
6467 Northwest Hwy
Chicago, IL 60631

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