Alfred Michael Firmand

He was born August 24, 1927 in Peoria Heights to Frank and Ilean (Morrone) Firmand. Alfred married his beloved Angie Jones on January 21,1950 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria Heights.

Alfred is survived by his wife Angie, three children, Donita (Dave) Fox of Bourbonnais, Dianna (Helmut) Schuenemann of Boulder Junction, Wisconsin and Mathew Firmand of Urbana; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Lido (Carol) Firmand of Washington and Martin (Janice) Firmand of Peoria; daughters-in-law, Anita Firmand of Oswego and Kathy Firmand of Peoria; sister-in-law, Norma Jones; special neighbors Bonnie and Dave Brock and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Michael and Mark Firmand; one granddaughter, Laura Fox; two sisters, Adeline Firmand and Delores Rita “Laura” Johnson; two brothers, Michael and Louis “Ray” Firmand; sister-in-law Jan Firmand.

Alfred worked as a lab technician at Pabst Brewing Company until his retirement when the plant closed in 1982. He was an active member of the Pabst Bowling League, where he enjoyed many years of friendly competition, bonding with teammates, and spreading his infectious brand of humor to anyone willing to lend an ear to one of his irresistibly charming wisecracks. He also enjoyed playing pinochle with a group of close friends.

Outside of work, Alfred had a love for the outdoors. He spent countless hours fishing, finding peace and joy in the quiet moments on Oxbow Lake in Northern Wisconsin.

Alfred shared a special bond with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in being a part of their lives, often imparting his wisdom and love, while also relishing the energy and excitement they brought into his world. He was the king of backyard wiffle ball and could still be found pitching to his great grandkids well into his nineties.

The Christmas season will always be a treasured time of year for those who loved Alfred. His family knew well that his superpower was the ability to predict the contents of his gifts before unwrapping them. He would shake the box carefully, slowly bring it close to his ear, and with a mischievous look on his face, guess what was inside with uncanny accuracy. The awe and wonder he created in those moments only made it easier for family members of all ages to believe that a being as magical as Santa Claus could truly exist.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 12, 2024 followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.at Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. Msgr. Jason Gray will officiate. A private family committal will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Alfred’s name to the United Leukodystrophy Foundation at https://ulf.org

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton.com.