Alfred Richard Schladt

Alfred Richard Schladt passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 14, 2025, at the age of 90. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he was a 45-year resident of Arlington Heights.

Born on October 5, 1935, during a Cubs World Series run, Al was destined to be a Chicago sports fan. When he was 10 years old, he worked at Wrigley Field, cleaning the stadium after games, and earned a standing-room-only ticket to watch the Cubs play in game 7 of the 1945 World Series.

Hardworking from a young age, Al also made deliveries for a drugstore and sold newspapers in his neighborhood on the north side. As a teen, Al attended Lane Tech High School and was first baseman on their state championship team. He played the saxophone and formed a band with some classmates. The Velvetones rode the streetcar to their gigs throughout the city.

After graduation, Al became an apprentice meatcutter at Jewel Food Stores. He worked at many stores to open their newly introduced “Pier 14” fresh fish markets and retired with 42 years of service. While working there, he also met his wife, Barb. They married on Thanksgiving Day in 1964 and had three children: Greg, Diane, and Susan.

Al was proud to serve in the United States Army and Army National Guard from 1957 to 1963. He was also a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus.

When he turned 18, Al bought his first Bears season ticket. Over time, he increased to four tickets and has held them for 72 years. He raised his children to have the same love of the Bears and even taught his grandchildren the Bears fight song as toddlers. He loved attending games and events at Halas Hall and cheered the team on at two Super Bowls.

Al enjoyed many hobbies. Family road trips throughout the US when the kids were young evolved to Caribbean cruises and European tours during retirement with Barb. He enjoyed golfing and playing cards and always had a puzzle in the works. Music was a constant throughout his life. His favorite concerts included Chicago, the Beach Boys, and Dave Brubeck. His creative side came out after retirement. His epic gingerbread creations were enjoyed by family and friends each Christmas.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred Sr. and Margaret Schladt; his parents- in-law, Joseph and Anne Skiba; and his son, Greg. Al is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Barbara; his daughters, Diane (Ron) and Susan (Cory); and his daughter-in-law, Melissa. He was a proud grandfather to Emily (fiancé Matt), Olivia, Allison, Natalie, and Daxton.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 North Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights. A second visitation will take place at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 434 West Park Street, Arlington Heights, on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. The committal follows at Saint Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine.

We invite you to join us through the link below to view the live stream of Al’s funeral:

https://youtube.com/live/MWg0IVDy6I8?feature=share

In lieu of flowers, Masses are appreciated or donations to Team Schladt Foundation, PO Box 94, Fox River Grove, Illinois, 60021, or online at teamschladtfoundation.org/donate.