Festival Fan Al Wiltjier (1922-2017)

Albert Wiltjer, passed away recently at the age of 94 on April 29, 2017.  He was a huge fan of the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival and attended for over 10 years with many of his children and other relations.  In lieu of flowers the family has asked people to make donations to the ragtime festival. 
      Al was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 6, 1922, son of Albert and Harriet Wiltjer, and brother to Phyllis (Wiltjer) Grey. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Bernie, wife of 66 years.  Al leaves behind four children, twelve grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
      Big Al graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology, followed by three years in the United States Navy. He served as a communications officer in the Atlantic during the Second World War. Following the war, Al accepted a job working for Union Carbide, where he spent the next forty-five years. Al and his family eventually settled in Chappaqua, New York for 25 years.
      Bernie's final years were spent in Sedalia close to his beloved daughter Susanna and son in law John who both provided wonderful care and support.
      Al was a unique man of many varied skills and interests. An avid and competitive golfer, skilled gardener,   and voracious reader, Al had a special passion for music; jazz, big band and ragtime among his favorites.   He was a man of principle and integrity who took great pride in his family. Big Al was truly loved and admired. As one of a kind, he will be forever missed.

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