Albert “Al” Joseph Yates, 84, of Rothschild, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully due to complications from a long-term health condition affecting the brain on September 24, 2026. Al was born on June 14, 1942, in Pensacola, Florida, to David Yates, Sr. and Eulalie “Lee” (Clark) Yates.

Al is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carol (Kolder) Yates; his three children, Kelly (John) Haslam, Jenny (Donnie) Flath, and Christy (Nick) Gumtz; his grandchildren, Jacob, Isaac, Lizzy, Hannah, Michael, Jack, Zander, and Dominic. Al was preceded in death by his parents and his three siblings, David Yates, Jr., Reverend Milton Clark Yates, and Mary Lee Yates.

In 1963, Al graduated from Pensacola Junior College with majors in business and accounting. However, his real passion was golf. He played at an elevated level in both high school and junior college. At twenty years old, Al won a local golf tournament, shot a hole-in-one, and set a course record all in the same month. Around that same time, Al also won a state-wide junior college golf tournament and was offered a golf scholarship to Florida State University. However, he declined the scholarship and instead secured an assistant golf pro position at Beverly Golf and Country Club in Chicago, Illinois, thanks to a connection with his uncle Toney Penna (professional golfer and notable golf club designer).

Al worked for one golf season at Beverly Golf and Country Club before he was drafted into the Army. He served from 1964 to 1966 at Camp Polk, Louisiana. After his time in the Army, Al returned to Beverly Golf and Country Club for another golf season and had the good fortune to be sponsored to play on the PGA Caribbean Tour, with stops in Monterrey, Mexico, Caracas, Venezuela, and Dorado, Puerto Rico. Soon after, he also played in the PGA Tour in Florida at the Doral, Citrus, and Pensacola Opens.

While on the PGA Caribbean Tour, Al met Lee Milligan, who was active in the Illinois Section of the PGA and taught future PGA golfer Andy North in his formative years. Milligan hired Al as his next teaching assistant golf pro at Barrington Hills Country Club in Barrington, Illinois. Al worked there for two years and met his wife, Carol, who worked there during her college breaks. The couple married on June 15, 1968, a few months before Al’s next job as the head golf pro at Furnace Creek Golf Club in Death Valley, California.

In 1970, Al accepted the head pro position at the Wausau Country Club (WCC) in Schofield, Wisconsin, where he remained the head pro for 28 years. Over the course of his career, Al received various forms of recognition. In 1992, he was honored as the Golf Professional of the Year for the Wisconsin Section of the PGA (one of its highest honors). In 2002, he received the PGA Friends of Golf Award from the Golf Coaches Association of Wisconsin. In addition, Al was regularly mentioned in the local newspaper for his active role in the community and at the country club. At times, he was a dedicated columnist offering golf tips; other times, he appeared in features or news items on topics such as custom club making or repair, free junior golf clinics, charity events, or his various speaking engagements. Al played in several local and state tournaments; however, his greatest feat may have been pulling off at least five documented hole-in-ones in his lifetime. Al was also a PGA Life Member and impressively reached Half Century Member status. Upon his retirement, the Wausau Country Club generously granted Al an honorary lifetime membership, which he greatly enjoyed and truly appreciated.

To all who knew him, Al was an easygoing, patient, and kind person. He had a cheerful and friendly disposition and was quick to offer help, a compliment, or words of gratitude whenever he could. Al was also known for his strong, firm handshake. He loved giving and receiving handshakes, and it became a signature aspect of his personality even at the end of his life. He seemed to joyfully view it as a fun test of character or of one’s golfing potential. He will be forever missed and always loved. Al was the love of Carol's life.

A small private memorial service will be held with immediate family members. Al will be laid to rest in the columbarium at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kronenwetter, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, please send your warmest thoughts and prayers to Al and his family.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting his family with arrangements.  Condolences may be shared at www.ascendweston.org.