Allyn John Smokey
June 18, 1966 - December 26, 2008

"Thanks for the memories al & deb ive often thought of the good times we had growing up !"

"I wanted to pass on my sympathies to Deb, Aaryn, and Kylie for their loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

"My sympathy goes out to the whole family. I remember hanging out with AL and the rest of the clan in high school. We had some wild and crazy times cruisin around. He always was the life of the party. I hadn't seen him in almost 20 years. I am greatful I did get to see him though about 1 1/2 years ago in Winona. You will be missed....."

"Dear Smokey family, I was saddened to hear of your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. I went to school with Allyn from elementary on- Even as we grow older and go our separate ways, we always remember fondly those who we share some history with. I remember Allyn from way back as being a very friendly kid, and from reading the other tributes and thoughts, he didn't change as he grew older. I pray that you can find some comfort in your memories of Allyn and that in time, those same memories will bring more smiles than tears. God bless-"

"Kathy, I only met you once at stamping, but we had a good time. I can't imagine what it's like to lose a son. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Alice, I've known you for a long time, but haven't run into you lately. I'm so sorry at the loss of your grandson. I have three, and I can't imagine losing any of them. My heart goes out to you."

"Dear Smokey family....My heart goes out to you all...what an untimely loss. Too young....so sadly missed, by all who knew him. We don't have much history...Al attended Madison school, with my sister, Kelli, I was a year younger. But, I do remember hanging out with the Maxwell's & Eger's, and always seeing Al and his bro, in the hood! Also, reunited, in high school, for short periods of time, depending on what group I was hanging with at the time! He will be truly missed...I, too, will always remember the smile! He is in a better place, and time will heal this terrible pain you feel right now. I recently lost my Dad, and know too well, the pain you are going through...stay tough, hold your heads up and have Faith...that will pull you through. May God continue to give you strength...I pray for you all...God Bless, and take care."

"I am sorry for your loss. I work at the L-Cove. Al would stop in during Happy Hour and have a few Busch Lights, after work. He was always very friendly and talkitive. I will miss seeing him and talking to him. He was really nice guy. My thoughts are with you."

"Deb and family I was so shocked to hear about Al, my deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. As I think back when the Harris family lived across the street from the Smokey's by madison, it wasn't to often that Dave, Allyn, my brother Bob and I weren't together. I really remember how hard we were on the babysitters, they definetly deserved what they got paid as Jim and Nancy would agree. Jim and Nancy also had to put up with the forts in the garage rafters and Daves band equipment set up in there. Al always had that great personality and was so easy going, he will be truely missed. Deb, your in my thoughts and prayers."

"I worked with Al for three years at Underdahl, he was always about helping other people. Friends and family were so imporant to him. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He'll be watching over all of us.. He'll be sadly missed...."

"To Deb & Family: Al was friends with my brother (Jeff) way back when.. they were the same age, shared a birthdate. I remember Al from years ago, he was always one of the "nice" guys. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my prayers. God Bless."

"To Deb and her family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God be with you and all of your family members. I knew Al since I was a kid. I would go to the race track with my Dad while he helped out Dave Dinger and Chris Creely, and we would always park next to Hueby and his racing team. It was a shock to hear about Al, and he will sure be sadly missed. Missy"

"I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your kids are in my prayers."

"Deb, Aaryn, Kylie, and Dave- I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father, and brother. Please know that all of your old Riverside friends are thinking of you and keeping you in their prayers at this difficult time. Take care. Julie Johnson"

"Deb & Family I am so sorry to hear of your recent loss. I remember growing up with Allyn and attending Madison Elementary. We had p.m. kindergarten together and shared other teachers throughout the years. I was fortunate to run into him this spring back home in Winona, and once again there he was with that big ole smile on his face. I canâ??t remember a time when he wasnâ??t smiling. Blessed are we that knew him. "

"Today at the funeral, I was <this close> to stepping forward to say something about Al, but I didnt. I regret it now, so Im here to say what I wanted to this morning. I hope we all use Al's memory & the way he lived his life, to make this a better world---Give of ourselves to help others, give to those in need & lend a helping hand when we see a need. His example of giving is an example I want to keep going. By helping others, the way Al did, we can all keep his memory alive--Be kind to one another, share a smile, help a neighbor, reach out to others, if only to ask how they are. By "paying it forward" is what Al would have wanted. We love you Al (& the Smokey family) & we are all better people to have known you--Lets keep his memory alive by being the kind of person Al was."

"My brother Chris and I send our sincerest sympathy to the Smokey families during this tragic loss. I know Chris has been friends with Al & Debbie since high school. Kathy, Sending a heartfelt hug to you, God Bless. Take care of each other. Our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you. Debbie & Chris"

"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Al was a wonderful man and always has a smile and kind word when we would run into him no matter how long it had been since we'd seen him last. It's hard to understand why God needs to take the good ones so early, and Al was a Good one!! Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you!"

"Deb, Aaron, Kylie, Nancy, Dad, Dave, and all of the other people in Al's life too many to count: Our hearts are broken for your tremendous loss. We will always remember Al as a kind and welcoming guy, with an unforgettable laugh. He will always be remembered in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very difficult time, we love you all. The Fischers..."

"Jim and I are deeply saddened by the loss of Al. We just met Al a few years ago and he was a person that you immediately liked. He was a good and funny man, always willing to help and share his knowledge about vehicles. He taught Dakota to flick bottle caps and Makenzie to fold animals. They too are deeply saddened by his passing. We had a lot of laughs when Al would come up to "Pikes Peak" and always had a good time over a few beers. We have many good memories to keep with us. We will miss you Al!"

"From the first day of Kindergarten at Madison Elementry, I new Al was a great guy! Al is still a record holder in the Playground Kick Ball Hall of Fame. I will miss his tremendous smile and kind words. Al was always there when a helping hand was needed. I feel blessed for knowing Al and spending time with his family. Deb, you are constantly in our thoughts, in this time of great sadness. Love, The Boland Family"

"Deb, were do I even start....I was in shock to hear of Al's passing, just unbelievable. I just smile when I think of Al and you at the lake with the speakers pulled out of the back seat of his car. Sitting on a picnic table having a couple beers and talking smart as we always did!! I can only imagine the pain you are feeling and will go thru for the time to come, but just know that it will get easier and that Al would want to go keep your head up and be strong. AL was truly a good friend and someone who you could count on, keep smiling big AL :)) Take care, Deb and hang tough.................Patti"

"DEBBIE AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND AND FATHER. ITS HARD TO FIND THE WORDS TO TELL YOU HOW TO HEAL THE PAIN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. JUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN MANY PEOPLES HEARTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS TIME. ROBIN GRAVES "

"I'll never ever forget the great times that Al and I had through the years. I've know him for many years. All the bon fires,vikings games,and when me terry,big al,cierzan,and others built ice shacks and always went ice fishing on the lake, we were there all day until night just hangin out and had so much fun. and especially the many years that we all spent on the huebner racing. All the laughs and goodtimes. This is hard for me to handle but the memories will live forever. gonna miss ya AL . RAT"

"Al was more like one of our kids than a friend. However a very dear friend he was and always there if anybody needed help. He was so much fun to be around working or playing. I personally remember the fishing and camping trips we had together. There were many trips to Dodge and many more to P I and of course Money Creeck. Al,s family and Winona as well as the rest of the world has lost a great person and friend. For some reason only the Lord knows Al was called home before what we consider his time and that makes the loss even harder to understand. It is this reason we must always remember Al and what he stood for, This will keep him alive in our hearts forever. That is what he would want and that is what we will do. "

"Hero of the Story Everyday he looked into the mirror and seen the lines that told him time has passed: wonder if he was gaining on tomorrow, when his yesterday's kept piling up so fast and he read about the market and thought about all the times, could of been a millionaire if he would of had the time. Guess he didn't know that his worth was weighted gold because the Hero of the Story never does. Everyday he tried to fix what's broken, tried to keep our lives in good repair, and tended the seams where damaged dreams were broken, till you would never know a break was ever there: he would bandage up an elbow, smile and sound sincere, he would mitor and measure and he treasured what was real, I guess he didn't know he hung the moon for so many because, the Hero of the Story Never Does For every time a hero kills a dragon in once upon a time so far away, another hero pulls a bright red wagon, and takes his children outside to play. Everyday he rode off into the sunrise, dreamt about the way it never was, another chance for him to stay when cowards would turn and run away, cause the Hero of the Story, when others asked for Glory, the Hero of the Story Never Does."

"Dear Deb & Kids, So sorry to hear about Al; He was a great guy and always had a smile on his face. Continue the great memories and strong faith, knowing that Al is watching over you all and will be guiding you daily. Al was a great friend to many; I met him through my Uncle Dale. It's so hard to understand why God took him early; He only knows best but it's not easy for us to see. Always remember that you are in everyone's heart & they are here for you all. Our thoughts and prayers always.."

"Going miss that Al guy - We just played bar bingo a couple of weeks ago with him and as always had fun no matter what we did. If it was just a road trip up to our garage with Huebner/Dale/Terry (the crew) we had a blast. Or the one thing I always kidded around with Al, was that he used a fan at work, because he had hot feet. Deb, be strong and never forget all the people that are thinking and caring for you and your family. We will not forget the great moments we had. Remember Deb, If it was not for Al, we would probally have not have been reunited with you, from our grade school years in Arcadia."

"To Jim,Kathy,Nancy &Art, It is so hard to lose someone so close as a son. I want you to know that I am thinking of you in this difficult time and that you are in my prayers. My deepest sympathy. Elaine"

"Deb, my deepest sympathy to you, Aaryn and Kylie in this hardest of times. I cannot think of Al without a huge smile and kind words. My times will you, Al and the gang was mostly at the weekend Latch and 367 Grand Street events(earlier days). Where we gathered, made our noise and laughed... Those time were my honor. Very special. He will always be missed. Always remembered."

"One of the first memories I have of Al is the summer he and my brother first started hanging out together, if there was an outdoor gathering you could put money on it that Al would be providing the tunes with those big home stereo speakers he had in his Impala,thanks to him and his rolling jukebox most of enjoyed music filled summer weekends. Al would ALWAYS take time to b.s. with you or help you out if he could no matter what he was already busy with and he always did it with that smile only Al had. I will miss the way he always called me Shark with that little chuckle mixed in. Al, thanks for the tunes and your friendship, Shark."

"To Debbie and Family, Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you and keep you strong."

"Deb & family,my deepest sympathy goes out to you,I feel blessed to have known Al, we had lots of good times together.If you needed something you could always count on Al,he would help anybody with anything.He was one of those few truly special people you meet in a lifetime.I will miss his smile and his laughter.He was taken from us way too soon,he will be missed by many.May he live in our hearts forever!"

"Dear Deb, Aaryn and Kylie I am so sorry to hear about Al, I cannot image the pain you are all feeling right now. You are coming up on one of life's greatest challenges and I hope you are able to find peace, comfort, love and support from your family and friends. I know there are no words or anything that can really help you understand why this has happened but stay strong and treasure all of the memories you have with him. Take Care Sandy To Jim, Kathy and families, I am so sorry to hear about Al. It is truly not fair when god decides to take a child from us. I hope you can find comfort in the love and support that is surrounding you at this time. Please if there is anything you need, Kathy, you know how to get in touch with me, please do not hesitate to call. Love, Sandy"

"Dear Debbie and family, You have my deepest sympathy at this time...How sad to have your loved one die so young...Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers... Your old co-worker, Margaret Beech"

"Deb, Aaryn & Kylie--Im so very sorry to see Al has passed away--He was such a wonderful man--such a great friend & father--Words cant describe the sadness. He was so young & I know so many people will miss him. My heart hurts for you & I cant tell you how sad & sorry I am for everyone who knew & loved Al. I have many memories of your family living down the street from me, & also our years of going to see bands, & just hanging out together--I wish I had words to help ease your pain, but words fail at a time like this. Just know that so many people love you & loved Al. He will be missed terribly. You're in my thoughts & prayers. If you need anything at all--I mean anything--Just to talk, call or stop by at any time. Much love to you & the family~~Shelley, & Daisy too."

"Deb, Aaryn, Kylie and Al's extended family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Al was a terrific person who was always willing to help others. I remember times when he held that helping hand out to me-that meant a lot. He was such a nice guy with a big, friendly smile. Our little corner of the world will not be the same without him. Hold your special memories close to your hearts. Life is far too short. Linda "

"I ran into Al at the Frog a couple of weeks ago. I hadn't seen him in years as I had moved away only to return to Winona to bury my 6 year old daughter Maridian. Al talked about how proud he was to have his children and Deb in his life., There are no words that can describe the emptiness and the hole in your heart, I am terribly sorry for your loss and pain, just know that he lives on in the eyes of your children and the memories you have shared..my heart goes out to all of you...."

"We were very sad to hear about Al's passing. I used to work with Al at Underdahl's. I just talked to Al a few days ago as him and his boy were driving by my house in a jeep with a plow on it I asked him to take a swipe through my alley with the plow and of course he said "sure!" That's just the kind of person Al was, very friendly, always smiling, and willing to lend a helping hand. He also worked on my car a couple times. Deb, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

"My deepest sympathy - know your family are in my prayers."

"Deb and family, Many thoughts and prayers to all of you, I can't imagine the pain your feeling at this time and in the days, months to come. I remember the camping trip where Al got his Bronco stuck/buried in the river cause he had to go just a little bit farther out then Hubey, Men, we will mever understand them will we? :-) He was an awesome guy, always there to help whom ever. May you find the strength to carry on one more day, and then one more day after that. He will always be with you Deb, please remember that, when you feel like your all alone just reach inside your heart and find a memory that will make you smile and I hope, if even for a few seconds, that you will feel the warmth of his presence and realize that you will never be alone! With many thoughts and prayers Deb, Aaron and Kylie, and to Al's family and friends! May you all find peace someday!"

"Nobody will ever forget AL SMOKEY the man with many friends that are going to miss him so very much. Whenever AL was around there was always people smiling,laughing, and having a great time. He was very close to his friends, If anyone needed a helping hand he was always there. Life will never be the same without him around . He was part of the clan (which made it a special clan) We've been looking at pictures and reminising the past couple of days about him. (lots of laughs , and many tears. Everyone who knew him loved him, and the love will go on forever and ever. Still can't believe it's true.. He wasnt done with life !!! There was many things to do yet. AL will be in our lives forever.. NOONE WILL EVER FOREGET HIM.. One word that describes Al ::::: ( WONDERFUL)"

"Deb, Aaron,Kylie We are so sorry your family lost Al it brings a tear to my eye to think about the pain you are experiecing. Al was a great guy and friend and if you ever need anything just call. I love you guys and you are in my heart and prayers Love Heidi"

"Nancy; Jim; and the rest of the families. I saw the obituary on this site last night and was in a state of shock for not knowing what happened. I have heard bits and pieces. It has been on my mind ever since. I remember years ago when your boys, and our 4 boys were young and we would get together Saturday nights, and have pizza and such good times at your house or ours. The boys ages were pretty close together. I cannot even imagine this happening. I have seen Allyn here and there during these passing years, and cannot believe this. To Allyn's wife; children; Nancy; Jim: You are in my prayers. Loosing a child no matter what age has to be about the worst thing to happen to anyone. Nothing can make you feel better with such a shock, but know I am here whenever you need to talk, or cry or whatever. Just call. I will stop to see you Nancy in maybe a few weeks and we can cry together. Lovingly, Bonnie"

"Deb and family, I am so very sorry to hear the terrible news of loosing Al. I wish there was something I could say or do to make things better for you all. At a time like this there are no words that will mend the pain and sorrow you are feeling! Only time can heal the wounds! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do for you just let me know please don't hesitate to get a hold of me! Times like this are when friends and family are needed the most."

"Deb,Aaryn and Kylie... We are so sorry to hear of your loss.As long as you hold your good memories close by, Allyn will always be with you all. I know the love your family has for eachother, becuase Deb, you always had such a sparkle in your eyes whenever you spoke of your family life... be it be about your childhood sweetheart, your smart polite son, or your little firecracker daughter. Take care of yourselves. Goddess Bless, Billee Davis"

"debbie and children"

"Dear Deb and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Al was a good friend and a great guy. I'm glad for the time I got to spend with Al working on the cars, joking around - quality time. We had a lot of laughs and always had a good time. Al was as good-hearted as they come. He was always around and willing to help others. Al was a good father and cared deeply about his family. We will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this very difficult time. "

"We are so sorry and shocked to hear about your loss. We had such good memeories of Al. You guys are the friends we hold the dearest in our heart. The good times we had will never ever be forgotten.(and we had many). My heart goes out to you and your family and I cannot even imagine your pain.You've been together forever and it's just not fair. If you ever need anything don't ever hesitate to call. He will be in our hearts and memories always. Love you Debbie! Sheri and Scott"

"We are so sorry to here about Al. Al was a very special person, and no one will ever forget him. I know in my heart that he is in heaven now with mom, and she will always be with him. Nancy you are my second mother, and I wish so much I could take away all of your pain. The only comfort I feel is knowing that Heaven is a much better place now that Al is there. Debbie, I can't imagine the pain in losing your husband and the father of your children. Please know that our hearts and prayers are with you. If at any time you need anything, please call and we will be there for you in any way you need. Dave, you are a lucky man to have Al as a brother, and I know this a very painful time for you. I know he will be with you always. All of us are so lucky to have had Al in our lives, and we will hold our memories of him close to our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you."

"Dear Debbie, It has been years since I last talked to you and Al. I was so happy to find you guys happy and with children. The two of you were destined to be together and will remain together in soul. I pray for you and your family in this time of sadness and for the future. Remember, Al will always be with you and your babies. I'm so sorry for your loss and for not staying in closer touch. You, Aaryn, Kylie and Al will always be in my heart. My deepest condolences to all of the other family members as well. Love, Toni (Ehlert) Heitzman"

"Dear Deb, We are so sorry for the loss of Al ... What a very happy, kind and humurous person Al was and always a hello and wave when we'd see him out and about.. We were very lucky to get to know the both of you these past several years... You could tell he took pride in his family, friends and his home and a very giving individual to whomever needed help. We are so very sorry Deb. Aaryn please know that Lance is saddened by the loss of your dad ,and would like you to know that at school or wherever you both are, you are in his thoughts . To Kathy as a co-worker and along time neighbor I to would like to send my thoughts and prayers to you and Jim and your children... Again please know that you all are not alone and and if anything can be done please let me know. Connie"

"Dearest Nancy, It is almost unbearable to lose your best friend and shortly thereafter your beloved son...Both sons have been Leona's friends since childhood...I like to imagine that both Our Lord and Leona greeted Allan's arrival...Our Lord said "I go to prepare a place for you."...Upon Allan's arrival I believe Our Lord said to him "Come, My son, I shall take you to that place I have prepared for you."..And I like to imagine that Leona "walked" along with her good friend Allan...Nancy, I share your sorrow, and my prayers are for Our Lord to hold you and sustain you at this hour of grief...We look forward to that moment when Our Lord will reunite us all forevermore...Nancy, Art and family, My deepest sympathy..Affectionately, Don..."

"Dear Deb, Kylie and Aaryn: We are thinking of you Deb and your children. We loved coming and visiting with you two . We enjoyed the fun and laughter and all the fun memories we had through out the years of knowing both you and Al. You and Al were such a great couple and you have such wonderful children. We are thinking of you Deb and the children. Remember do not hesitate to call if you need someone to talk with. I am sure we still will be around and hope we can still have some of those talks and laughs like we had when Al was here. Your Friends, Pat and Debbie Salwey "

"Deb you have my deepest sympathy at this time, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please call. Peggy"

"I've known Al ( and Deb) for as long as I can remember. He's been my brother's( Hueby) sidekick for so long. He even lived with us for a while when I was little. I remember we had to have our dog put to sleep and I didn't want to go with - Al stayed with me. He was at so many family gatherings and fun get togethers. One thing I've thought about these last couple of days is he ALWAYS had a smile on his face. I had the pleasure of going out with Terry and Al for my bday a couple of weeks ago and we had the best time. I will treasure it always! Deb- I pray for peace and love to surround you and for strength to make it through the days ahead. Know that Al will always be with you in your heart. I can see him up there with a beer in his hand and that big smile on his face waiting for us all to join him one day. Until then we have wonderful memories to carry us on. Love, Becky"

"My deepest sympathy to you and the kids Deb and also to the Smokey family. I knew Al from the early days of racing at the Tri-Oval in the 80's and really enjoyed how nice and cool of a guy he was. Hanging out with him, Terry, Rat, and the guys was really fun back then. The most recent couple years with Al helping my family and I with an auto related issue now and then, I could never thank him enough. I'm really gonna miss you my friend. Thanks for all you have done for us and may you rest in peace."

"I send my sympathy to Al's wife, kids, and family. I met Al through my uncle and hung out at the races with him. So sad to see a great guy go."

"I have no idea where to begin,Al has touched my life in so many ways.He was a part of my family in every way,hell,this past winter while working on the race car he would beat me to my house after work and when i walked in the door he'd be eating dinner and say,"hey,come on in". We had the best of times,from the of gathering at the lake,P.I.,Latch island,and anywhere in between while putting our twist on life over a few cold beers and d _ _ _ good 80's hair band music.The years of working on the race car brought us very close through that common passion. One night in 1985(after a few beers) we decided to leave to go to California,with about $50 between us,once we sobered up in DesMoines,Iowa we hocked a chrome rim for gas to get back home. Hey Al,that's some good g _ _ d_ _ _ ham!! I love you and i'll miss you! P.S. So i says to the guy."

"Deb,Aaryn & Kylie I am so very sorry for your loss. I know no matter what people say at this time the pain seems to not go away,just remember Al is up there watching over all of you at this difficult time. I worked with Al at underdahl,no matter how bad the day was going. Al always pulled through with a smile at the end of the day,because he always put his family first. Soon after my son was born Al called me and said "I would be a great dad" If I am half the father/husband as Al I know I will be A great dad. I will miss you and that smile your friend Jeff."

"Deb & Kids, We are very sorry for you loss. Al will be missed very much and will Never be Forgotten. Finding The Strength...To rise from the pain and continue at all cost. The strength to smile when all you feel is anger. To substitute bad days, for the best ones you can remember. The strength to stay by each other sides when all you do is cry. The strength to keep him in your heart, even though your apart. The strength to say I Love You when all else has gone wrong...He will keep on waiting for you...regardless of how long. Love, Mark & Cherie Huebner"

"So I says to the guy....From the big hair and cycles in the 80's to present, Al was my "second husband". From a shoulder to cry on to laughing with pink tacos. Racing, 4 wheeling, music, the 4 mile, the frog, photo hunt, bon fires and sledding...the list goes on...nights in the garage, Rascals, Latsch, the Lake, green beer and swamp water. Big Al Big Al Big Al..... To Kylie, Aaryn and Deb, My prayers are with you, he was a good man, husband and father who loved you all. You were his world. To Nancy and Jim, In a time filled with so many memories and feelings there is nothing I can say to ease your pain. Al was truly a good person, loved by many, a mirror of his parents. To Al, Mr. Goodwrench himself Thanks for always lending a helping hand with my car, my house and my family. Thank you for turning me into the rivot queen. Thank you for eating my cooking. A Big Thank you for never narcing me out over the toilet fountain incident. But most importantly thank you for always having that $#i+ @$$ grin I always found comfort in. You were there when I needed a smile, a hug, a true friend. It was a good party....Till we meet again, Luv ya hun!! JL TOY Silent Night"

"Back in the day i was just a youngin never thought for a second i would have to to this......Deb god bless you and the kids."

"We have known Al and Deb many years, this is so sad to see someone so young and great leave us so soon.Deb and Family you are in our prayers."