Alfons J. "Al" Deridder

DeRidder, Alfons J. "Al" Entered into Eternal Life July 17, 2018, at the age of 91. Loving husband of 69 years to Kathryn. Loving father of Marsha (James Kunz) and Cindy (Claude Lewis). Grandfather of Michael (Barb), Daniel (Linda) and Matthew (Amy) Kunz and Sarah (Matt Nuccio), Jeff (Maria Lewis) and Julia (Fiance Nick Heim). Great grandfather of Andrew, Declan, Haley and Wesley Kunz, Jack, Anthony and Gianna Nuccio and Reagan Lewis. Al is preceded in death by his parents Alfons and Elizabeth and his brothers and sisters Louis, Charlie, Mary, George, Joe, Dolly, Larry and Marge. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. After a 41-year career with the Ladish Company, Cudahy WI, a manufacturer of metal components for jet engines, aerospace and industrial markets, Al retired in 1991 as Vice President of Metallurgy and Quality. Al spent his entire career at Ladish, having started as a staff metallurgical engineer following graduation from Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech) Houghton Michigan. Al and his Ladish colleagues did pioneering research on titanium alloys and high temperature nickel based super alloys. Al was a respected scientist, manager, author of many technical papers, registered professional engineer and a member of professional technical societies. Al was a proud Naval WWII and Air Force Korean War Veteran, member of the American Legion, devoted Lions Club member, South Milwaukee Municipal band member and church usher for 50 years. The family wishes to thank the staff at Aurora St Lukes Medical Center for the exceptional comfort and care provided to Al. Memorial gathering on Friday, July 27, from 9:00AM - 11:00AM at Divine Mercy Parish, 800 Marquette Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI 53172. Mass to follow at 11:00AM. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Als honor to the National Kidney Foundation of Wisconsin, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight or a charity of your choice.