Mr. Bietsch retired as a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union and served as President of the Union Local #268 Retirees Club. After retirement, Al thoroughly enjoyed working at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home for 20 years. He was an avid euchre player, loved gardening, and was an excellent handyman who could fix anything. Al was a member of St. Teresa Catholic Church in Belleville, IL, was an usher at the church, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1028. He was a U. S. Air Force veteran.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary, nee Scherle, Bietsch; and one brother, Russell Bietsch.
Surviving are his wife of 66 years, Pauline L., nee Schmidt, Bietsch;
two daughters, Janet (Norman) Joellenbeck of Red Bud, IL,
and Donna Bietsch of Belleville, IL;
two sons, Michael (Debbie) Bietsch of Columbia, MO,
and Ronald (Julie) Bietsch of Scottsdale, AZ;
five grandchildren, Matthew (Kati) Bietsch, Kristin (Breanna) Bietsch,
Andrew (Julia) Bietsch, Lori Bietsch,
and Tyler Bietsch;
three great-grandchildren, Abrielle Bietsch, Henry Bietsch,
and Luke Bietsch;
a sister-in-law, Darleen Bietsch;
many nieces and nephews;
and cousins.
Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, or in the form of masses. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2019, and from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2019, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. David Darin officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.