Alfred John Backus

Alfred John Backus, age 91, of Oshkosh died Saturday, November 1, 2008 at Evergreen Retirement Community in the loving arms of his daughter, Nancy, who will miss him forever. He was born on April 22, 1917 in Boyd, Wisconsin to Charles and Louise Backhaus. On March 13, 1942 he married the angel of his life, Pearl D. Quale. They enjoyed married life together for 63 years until her passing.Al was a mechanical engineer specializing in machine design, for which he was awarded numerous patents. Recognizable products he worked on include Glade Air Freshener, and the catalytic convertor for GMs Northstar engine. He retired from Marathon Engineering in Menasha, Wisconsin in 1980. He had enjoyed his career very much and in retirement chose to continue working as a free-lance engineer, completing his last project at age 80.He had a great thirst for knowledge and could converse on almost any topic, though the favorite was his World War II experiences. As an aviation navigator during World War II, he helped deliver new airplanes to many countries. In Rome, he was standing so close to the Pope that the pontiff almost stepped on his foot. In western Africa he listened to the enchanting sounds of local African singers across the river at night. Al prided himself on being well traveled. In all, during his lifetime he visited over half the countries in the world, the most recent being Russia shortly after perestroika, and the fall of the Berlin Wall.Al was very well read. He said he never selected fiction books because he had yet to first read all the intriguing, published non-fiction titles that interested him. He was published more than 60 times in Readers Digest and the Letters to the Editor sections of USA Today, Newsweek, Milwaukee Journal, Appleton Post-Crescent (including its Silver Pen Award) and the Oshkosh Northwestern. The topics he wrote on included war, education, religion, politics and his own childhood stories. A very modest man, it was only recently discovered by family members that he had written many of the articles or letters and that he had saved copies of all these publications --- to the delight of his children and grandchildren.Als loving care of his wife in her final years was touching for all to see. Among Als other memorable qualities were his love for and support of his children and grandchildren, as well as his happy disposition which will be missed. His family now hear themselves repeating his oft spoken farewell : Have fun!Al was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Louise Backhaus, his wife, Pearl in 2005, by his brothers George and Clarence Backhaus, and his grandson, Brett Backus. He is survived by his children Rich, Len (Kathy), Larry (Marilyn) and Nancy Backus all of Oshkosh, by a brother, Roman Backhaus of Boyd, Wisconsin, grandchildren: Chris Backus, Andy (Asia) Backus, Alison Backus (Dan Garrsion); Tamara Backus, Cassie Backus, Barbara (Aaron) Jahncke, Jennifer Miller, Christina Miller, Jessica Miller, Brian Backus, and great-grandchildrenchildren Mia Pearl Backus and Jacob Backus.Visitation on Wednesday at 10:00 at St. Raphaels Church, with celebration of Mass at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorials have been established to: St. Raphaels Catholic Church, Oshkosh, and Affinity Hospice.

St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Wednesday, November 05, 2008
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM



St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church



830 S Westhaven Drive
Oshkosh
WI
54904

Wednesday, November 05, 2008
11:00 AM