marriage to the love of his life, Erma Margan, on June 18, 1947, at St. Patrick's Church, and the two were blessed with 63 wonderful years together, and 7 adored children, before she was sadly called home ahead of him on August 26, 2010. Al was raised with a strong work ethic and a relentless commitment to providing for his family. He earnestly put those values to good use as a skinner with the Dubuque Packing Company for over 40 years, until he was finally able to begin enjoying his well earned retirement. In his free time, Al could regularly be found spending some time in the great outdoors; whether he was out on the river enjoying the warm sunshine of a relaxing day, or sitting in the deer stand waiting on the perfect buck to walk by on a crisp peaceful morning. Al was also a faith filled man who was a long-time member of St. Columbkille's Church, as well as the Knights of Columbus. Above all though, Al's family was where he discovered his greatest joy along his earthly journey. He always looked forward to any opportunity, which came along, to spend some quality time with his beautiful bride, Erma, his children, and eventually his grandchildren, whom truly delivered a completely new kind of joy into Al's days. We are broken hearted and deeply saddened today at the sudden physical absence of our wonderful father, grandfather, brother and friend. But, we are forever grateful for the knowledge that he is now happily reunited with his loving Erma, his son, Tommy, as well as all of his other family members who've been awaiting his arrival. Our lives will never be the same without Al's presence within them, but we also understand and appreciate that none of our lives could ever be what there are today without the 93 years the Lord was kind enough to share him with us. We miss you, we love you, and thank you very much Al for simply being you!Those left to cherish Al's memory includehis 6 daughters,
Shirley (John) Copeland, Sumter, SC,
Patricia "Patti Jo" Hodge, Akron, OH,
Denise (David) Parochetti, LeClaire, IA,
Donna (Michael) O'Brien, McHenry, IL,
Julie Stumpf, Iowa City, IA
and Sara (Eric) Fisher, Ridgecrest, CA;11 grandchildren,
Laura Bellcase, Craig (Kristin) Parisot, Rachel Stumpf, Calla (Matt) Parochetti-Poulter, Kyle Parochetti, Alyssa (Brian) Jones, Megan Hodge, Aaron and Alex O'Brien, and Ivan and Shane Fisher;
6 great-grandchildren,
Leah, Jake, Jackson, Conner, Avery and Cora;and his siblings,
Roger (Frankie) Kerkenbush, Monroe, MI
and Marie Capesius, Key West, IA.Al was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Erma Kerkenbush; a son, Thomas "Tommy" Kerkenbush; a granddaughter, Samantha Stumpf; 3 sisters, Virginia "Ginny" (Jim) Droessler, Eileen (Harlan) Droeszler and Betty (Calvin) Lindecker; a brother, Gerald "Gerry" Kerkenbush; and a brother-in-law, Paul Capesius.Al's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Finley Hospital, and Eagle Point Place, for all of their wonderful care and support during these difficult days.
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