Albert Joseph Colianni

Albert Joseph Colianni, 89, passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on August 12, 1928 in Oak Park, IL to Assunta Aurora (Mapelli) and Paul Vito Colianni. He graduated from Oak Park High and Loyola University in Chicago. Al worked alongside his brothers in the family business, Colianni & Dire Company. He married Marilyn (Olson) on April 11, 1953, and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. They raised their family in Arlington Heights, IL and Minocqua, WI. They created a large and loving family.

Al loved the Northwoods. In his youth, his family summered at Yeschek's Lodge on Big Crawling Stone Lake in Lac Du Flambeau, WI. He continued this tradition by bringing his family to Blue Lake Resort in Minocqua every summer. In 1971, he and Marilyn built a home on Blue Lake. After retiring, they split their time between Minocqua and Las Vegas, NV.

Al had many hobbies and interests. He was an avid antique radio, camera, and train collector. He also enjoyed music, especially big band and jazz. Al was a faith filled and devoted family man. He lived a humble life following the guidelines of Micah 6:8 - To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. Al was an Oblate of the Olivetan Benedictine community. He blessed the lives of his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife Marilyn, their four children and spouses: Albert Jr. (Suzie Noerenberg) of Minneapolis, MN; Gail (Dale Komarek) of Arlington Heights, IL; Brian (Teresa Jordan) of Minocqua, WI; and Joseph (Tammi Duchrow) of Orono, MN. Al is also survived by 17 grandchildren and their spouses: Albert III (Sonja Kjellberg) Colianni, John Colianni (Jean Burr), Andrea Colianni (Kristopher) Knabe, Joseph Colianni, Anthony (Alison Holt) Komarek, Brandon (Gayle McDougall) Komarek, Angela Komarek (Ryan) Steenhagen, Nicholas (Jennifer Malecha) Colianni, Maria Colianni (Chad) Larson, Benjamin (Megan Schwan) Colianni, Rebekah Colianni (Paul) De Luca, Jordan (Lauren Brady) Colianni, Matthew (Erin Jenkins) Colianni, Elizabeth Colianni (Bryan) Geigler, Sarah Colianni, Anna Colianni, and Joseph Jr. Colianni.

His legacy continues with 25 great-grandchildren: Emilia, Elena, Peter, Matthew, Andrew, Lucia, Camila, Sofia, Andrew, Vincent, and J. Harvey Colianni; Francesca, Gemma, and Enzo Knabe; Logan and Madison Komarek; Breckin, Aria, and Mackenzie Steenhagen; Eleanor and Atticus De Luca; Henry Larson; Jacob Geigler; and babies due in September and November. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Paul Vito (Frances Gilray), Orville Orlando (Lorraine Christian), and sister Mary Josephine Colianni (Peter) Allegra.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 1st at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff, WI with a visitation from 9:30 AM till time of service. Burial will take place following the services at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Woodruff, WI.

Online condolences may be shared at www.nimsgernfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to:
Holy Family Catholic Church 8950 County Hwy J Woodruff, WI 54568; Ascension Catholic Academy 1723 Bryant Avenue N Minneapolis, MN 55411; or Lakeland Pantry c/o HYF: P.O. Box 470 Woodruff, WI 54568.

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.