LECHLEITNER, Alvin R., age 82

Died: Thursday, October 16th, 2025

Mass of Christian Burial:  11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (1712 Highland Avenue in Eau Claire) with the Father Francis Thadathil officiating

If you will be unable to attend Mass, you can view the livestream at:
https://m.youtube.com/@immaculateconceptionec/streams

Visitation:  from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at the funeral home

There is no vistation at church prior to Mass

Interment:  at a later date in Rest Haven Cemetery, Town of Washington, Wisconsin

In lieu of flowers, donations in Al's memory are welcome to either:
Eau Claire Community Foundation, www.eccfwi.org, where yearly scholarships have been established for area high school seniors aspiring to become educators or
ECASD School Meal Help Fund to help provide meals to students who are in need (email the Food and Nutrition Department at schoolnutrition@ecasd.us for help and more information).

Alvin (Al) R. Lechleitner, age 82, of New Auburn (formerly of Eau Claire), passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Marshfield Medical Center in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. 

Al was born on May 11, 1943 in Sheldon, Wisconsin to the late Charles and Opal (Boardman) Lechleitner. He was raised on the homestead family farm and learned from an early age the value of hard work.  Al graduated from Tony High School with honors and attended Taylor County Teacher's College. He obtained his first teaching contract (age 19) in Weyerhauser, WI. He later earned his bachelor's degree in education from UW-Eau Claire and master's degree in School Administration from UW-Madison. He had a remarkable administrative career with the Eau Claire Area School District for 33 years, serving as an elementary principal at Black, McKinley, Sherman, Longfellow, Manz and Locust Lane schools, retiring in 2001. He was the youngest principal (age 25) ever hired in the district and was recognized as District Principal of the Year in 1986. His leadership, compassion and encouragement touched the lives of countless colleagues, students, and families.

In the spring of 1969, he met the love of his life, Marcia Stockman. They were set up on a blind date through a mutual friend, and after one spin around the dance floor they were dance partners for life. They were joined in marriage on July 11, 1970 at St. John's Catholic Church in Sheldon, WI.  On July 11, 2025, Al and Marcia celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.  

Al and Marcia shared a passion for polka dancing and competed in competitions, accumulating twenty trophies over the years. Their shared joy and rhythm brought smiles to all who watched them dance. When you danced with Al, your feet never touched the floor. They enjoyed traveling with family and friends; some of his favorite memories were dancing through Poland with the Eddie Blazonczyk polka band, touring an elementary school in India, eating custard tarts in Portugal and seeing the royal family's dentist in Thailand after he chipped a tooth. Their Sand Lake home was a family favorite, and they enjoyed snow birding to Lake Placid, FL.

Al had an active role in his community and was a member of the Beaver Creek Board of Directors, the Interfaith Hospitality Board of Directors and he organized the first Eau Claire District spelling contest and subsequent contests for 28 years. He served as secretary/treasurer of the Sand Lake Association for 18 years. 

Al loved being part of a large family and co-organized many Lechleitner family reunions. He was a gifted storyteller, and his annual Christmas letters were a holiday favorite. He self-published "Harvest of Memories", chronicling his life's story - a family treasure for generations to come. He was a proud father to two daughters, whose lives were shaped by his steady guidance and unconditional love. He cherished his four grandchildren and was a dedicated presence at their concerts, recitals and sporting events. 

Al will be greatly missed by all who knew him and leaves a legacy of love, friendship, laughter and a commitment to education.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marcia; his daughters, Marchelle (Frank) Anderson and Taren Weyer; grandchildren, Elise Anderson (fiancé Cole Gilles), Zachary Anderson, Anna Weyer and Chloe Weyer; sisters, Dolores Olynick and Marilyn (Tim) Corpe; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.   

Al was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albert, Clarence (Marilyn), Leonard (Shirley), and Donald; parents-in-law, Dr. Robert and Velva (Daughenbaugh) Stockman, and brother-in-law, John Olynick.   

The family would like to thank the staff at Eau Claire Marshfield Clinic, Eau Claire Mayo Clinic, Marshfield Home Health & Hospice and Marshfield Medical Center in Ladysmith for their care and compassion.