Alfred was born in San Diego in 1925. His family moved to Sacramento when he was 13. He described many stories of his life growing up in San Diego and Sacramento. In San Diego he loved to explore the canyons, "fly" down the streets on home-made scooters. One could go fast down the hills on these scooters (which they rode barefoot!) and would end up on the ocean sand. You didn’t have to worry about the cross traffic. There was little to none!

As a young boy in Sacramento, Al and his friends traveled along the American River, hiking and riding their bikes for miles. He learned first hand of the history and geography of the Sierra Oaks Vista area, which he loved. Many years later he wrote several unpublished books about local history and geography. He was contacted by many over the years to seek his knowledge of the area.

Still standing strong today is a 12 x 12 house he built as a 13 year old, which is located in his backyard. Growing up, his children called it the "Shack" and spent many hours playing in it. We were always in awe that he could build something as nice as a young man.

Al recently reminded us of the horse barn he built after "The War" (WW II) for Marlynn his younger sister when they lived in Sacramento. Although they lived two hours apart, Marlynn and Al enjoyed a special connection over the years. They regularly met for lunch and spoke frequently on the phone.

Al received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sacramento State University in 1947 (first graduating class). He received his Masters in Government Administration degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Quality education was very important to Al. He was the initial founding member of Sacramento Lutheran High School in Elk Grove, California. He spent many hours coordinating the establishment of this high school.

He participated in the reunions of his 75th Infantry Division over the years. He and Jessie (his wife of 52 years) loved to travel to the reunion locations around the country, see the historical sites and meet up with his army friends. Al was even voted as "Man of the Year," for his famous collection of soldier memoirs. He was very dedicated to preserving the memories and historical accuracy of the war experiences of the soldiers.

Al’s family and friends remember quite well the story about when he read in an historical book on WW II that the Battle of the Bulge was an "unmitigated disaster." He became fiercely determined to prove this statement wrong and thus began his detailed research though his own first-hand recollections from his WW II diary and though countless interviews and collection of personal recollections of his counterparts in the Battle of the Bulge. The collection of these works can be found in major universities around the world and on the internet.

Al was employed by the State of California for 37 years. He was a dedicated and tireless worker. He took his work quite seriously. The work ethic he demonstrated is very rarely seen. There was a job to do and he gave it his all. He loved to solve problems. He unselfishly contributed to the success of others. He had no ambition in his work other than to do his best. He was a most honest and genuine man., contributing to the success of the departments and others. He loved to offer assistance to others and help them succeed. He even avoided the spot-light. He was not interested in self recognition. In fact, he avoided it.

During his 37 career with the State, he worked in many departments, Finance, Highways, Conservation, and State Teachers Retirement. He worked as an Executive, the highest level of "non-appointed" service.

In addition to his work at the State, Alfred taught college in the evenings for 25 years. He loved to teach and help others succeed. He taught at American River, Sacramento State and at the graduate level for Golden Gate University. Two of his sons had the opportunity to participate in his classes. He was very proud of a "small group" method of teaching that he developed and perfected, enabling maximum participation of the students. He worked to bring each student to an A grade. Once the school administration criticized him for giving too many "A"s. Alfred rebutted, "Isn’t the objective to bring each student to an "A" level?" This is a small example of the dedication he demonstrated in his work.

Alfred was married to his wonderful wife Jessie for 52 years. He was a great provider and loving husband. Although he was not very "mushy," he loved his wife more than words can express. Jessie was such a devout and loving wife. She supported her husband in the most unselfish fashion. Together, they were a great husband and wife team. They raised three boys, David, Jim and Will. They also played such a key role in their grand-children’s (Rachel and Zachary) and great-grandchild’s (Teresa) lives. The team of Al & Jessie always put their children, grand-children and great-grandchild’s lives first, sacrificing so much for their pride and joys.

Alfred loved to participate and attend all of our activities and sporting events; Boy Scouts, 4-H, baseball, soccer, Tae Kwon Do, running events, triathlons and basketball. If there was an event, he had to be there. We were all so encouraged by his unbelievable support. He was the best cheerleader, coach, advisor, trainer, etc. We all knew we could do well because of his positive encouragement.

In recent years, he loved to attend his grandson’s basketball games. He never missed one. After the games, he would speak of Zach’s great performance for hours with his family and friends. Even during his weakest hours in his final days, when we reminded him of Zach’s basketball games, he managed the biggest and brightest grin you ever saw.

He loved his family. He wanted and gave his best to his family. He is the best example of a man; honest, sincere, honorable, modest, unselfish in his giving, dedicated, hard working and compassionate. We will do our best to continue his example.

Throughout his life, he loved to solve problems. In these last few years he was stricken with polycystic kidney disease. One would never know he was suffering. He never let on that he was sick. It was only in the last few months that he made the choice for dialysis treatment. He told us several times in the last few weeks, that this disease is a problem he couldn’t solve. In the last few weeks, he decided to let his body take its natural course. He was sure of his decision because of his love for God and assurance of his salvation. His struggle was to make sure his family would be ok when he was gone. He was comforted to know we would continue to support each other in a manner that he taught us.

Recently, we read together from Revelation 21:4, "And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death will be no more, nor will there be sorrow or crying or pain anymore; for the former things have passed away." He stated with a strong conviction, "I believe that."

Alfred always wanted to know "what is the plan." He was an extremely organized man. He developed plans, and carried them out. He often asked his doctors and nurses, "What is the plan?" In his last few days and even just prior to going to be with the Lord, he asked, "What is the plan, i.e., how will this passing play out?" We told him, "Dad, the plan is to rest." "We solved together the problem, rest." With these final words, he walked into the arms of our Lord.

Al, Dad, Papa-Al, we miss you terribly. We are happy that you are freed from the struggles of your physical body. We look forward to the day that we can be together again. We will carry on in a manner that would make you proud. Thank you for all you have done. We love you.

The family requests no flowers be sent, but if you so choose to do something to celebrate this great man’s life – please send a donation to:

The Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation