Alexander S. "Alex" Mandli, Sr.

Alexander S. Mandli Sr. “Alex”, age 94, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2024, at St. Monica’s Senior Living. He was born in Mt. Pleasant, WI on May 8, 1929, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Vernel) Mandli.

Alex graduated from Washington Park High School class of 1948. He played football, wrestled, and track and field while at Park. He won the title of State Wrestling Champion at heavy weight class, pinning his opponent in 19 seconds, a state record that was held until early 1980’s. While at Park High School, Alex had two wonderful coaches that were of lifelong importance to him, Coach Weaver and Coach VanGalder. After graduation he worked for Racine Ice Company.

On December 2, 1950, Alex married the love of his life Jean Merlyn Marsch at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Racine, WI and they shared nearly 70 years together before she passed away January 10, 2020. Alex served in the US Army from 1951-1953 and was stationed in Germany where he played division football.

In 1953 Alex enrolled at Jacksonville State University in Alabama where he was recruited to play football. In 1955 while playing football at Jacksonville State, Alex was a starter at offense, defense, and punter. He also played in the 1955 Refrigerator Bowl, which they won. In 1989 Alex was named to the 100 Best Athletes at JSU.

After moving back to Racine, WI Alex worked as a carpenter/laborer for various construction/home builder companies in the Racine area. In the early 1960’s he began working as a carpenter and locksmith for the Racine Unified School District until his retirement.

Alex was very active in Boy Scout Troop 400. He was given the Silver Beaver Award, one of the highest-ranking awards for Boy Scout leaders. He also coached youth football and baseball leagues for many years. Later in life, he enjoyed watercolor painting, wood carving, and helping with construction projects for family, friends, and neighbors. He always enjoyed hard work and found happiness in it well into his 90’s. Alex also enjoyed playing golf.

Alex is survived by his children, Alex (Jean B.) Mandli Jr., Gregg (Deborah) Mandli, Karen (John) Kading, Kurt (Terri) Mandli; grandchildren, Zachary Mandli, Brett Mandli, Mara (Bobby) Martin, and Alei (Henry Christensen) Mandli; great grandchildren, Cash, Mackson and Nora; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Patricia Seter, Romayne (Thomas) Mueller; sister-in-law, Jean C. Mandli; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Alex was preceded in death by his wife, parents, father and mother-in-law Roman and Beatrice Marsch. Alex was the last survivor of 13 siblings, Steven (Julia), Mary (Ed) Buisse, Elizabeth (Edward) Dahse, Helen, Ann (Orville) Putman, Julia (Wally) Wozniak, Joe, Frank (Ann), John, Peter (Beverly), Paul (Rosemary), Esther (Jack) Kammien. He was also preceded in death by his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Evelyn (Gordon) Nielsen Dorothy (Adrian) Wilson and Wally Seter.

Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Alex’s life to be held Saturday, February 24, 2024, 12-4 pm at Preservation Hall Racine, 740 Lake Ave. Private interment with full military honors will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to Racine Art Museum, Racine Heritage Museum or the Racine Food Bank have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Jayaprakash and Dr. Pothen, the staff of St. Monica’s and Mike from St. Croix Hospice for the kindness and care afforded Alex. Also a side thank you to the turkeys on the St. Monica’s property.