Albert “Al” J. Wondra

Albert “Al” John Wondra, age 90, of Mayville, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. at St. Agnes in Fond du Lac.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Al will take place on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville with Rev. Fr. Don Thimm and Rev. Fr. Zachary Galante presiding. A Visitation for Al will be held at church on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, interment will take place at St. Mary’s cemetery in Mayville. Following the service, it was Al’s wishes for his dear friends and loved ones to participate in an Irish-style wake, sharing the fond memories they made with Al over the years.

Al was born on August 19,1936. He was born in the family home in Le Roy, WI, to Kilian and Cecilia (Gindt) Wondra. He was the youngest of 10 children. Albert attended St. Andrew’s Elementary School and Mayville High School, graduating in 1954.

Albert volunteered for the draft and served in the Army for 2.5 years after high school graduation. He spent his military time in Okinawa as a radar specialist, identifying incoming planes. He always felt the military was a great place to learn about other people and the differences in the world. On his long cruises to and from Okinawa, he was glad his last name started with a “W”, as jobs were given out in alphabetical order and he was never assigned a job. This gave him time to play Sheepshead.

After completion of his military service, Albert was hired by Mayville Construction and Fehling Construction. He was proud of having helped in the construction of Highway 41, South of Oshkosh. He realized he loved the world of construction, was skilled in operating equipment, and had the talent to manage a business.

In 1963, he founded Wondra Excavating and purchased his first pickup truck, low boy, and front-end loader. His first job was digging a basement. He grew his business from one employee to over 50 employees, and from digging basements to building state roads and large developments. After 44 years he retired, passing his business to his partners.

While Albert loved his work, he also greatly loved dancing. He was very well known for his skills in doing the Polish Hop Polka. He won numerous first place trophies for polka dancing. While he enjoyed watching many sports, his most favorite activity was dancing the polka.

Al also enjoyed being a husband, father, and grandfather. In 1971, Albert married Patricia Tennessen and they had six children: Jennifer Lynn Wondra Fink (husband Mike Tennessen), Vincent Albert (wife Kelly), Jonathan Albert (wife Melanie Winter), Gregory Albert (wife Heather), Thomas Albert (wife Ashley), and MaryBeth Rose Cole (husband Joseph). They also had 14 grandchildren: Nathan, Tyler, Adam, Samuel, Fearsin, Madalyn, Violet, Westley, Elora, Gryffin, Winter, Tyson, Saylor, and Lillian.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Albert is survived by his brother-in-law, Joseph Belligan, as well as many other relatives and friends.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents Kilian and Cecilia Wondra; his wife Pat; his in-laws Rose and Alvin Tennessen; his brothers: Arnold, Edward, Raymond, Leo, Paul; and his sisters: Florence, Helen, Genevieve, and Cecilia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Albert can be directed towards St. Mary’s Church and School in Mayville or the Mayville Lions Club.