"Dad, even though you've been gone 3 months now, I wanted you to know that I think of you every day. I miss our phone calls and visiting you in IA. When good things happen in my life, I miss not being able to share them with you, but I do know that you are watching out for us. You and Mom live on in our hearts until we meet again..."
In loving memory of
Harold Loyd Alpers
August 21, 1928 - January 10, 2012
Harold L. Alpers, 83, formerly of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully Tuesday, January 10, 2012.
A celebration of Harold's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services in Maquoketa. A memorial visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2012, at Carson & Son Funeral And Cremation Services, Maquoketa, Iowa. A private burial will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa.
Harold was born August 21, 1928 in Benton County, Iowa, son of Henry and Mabel (McIntyre) Alpers. He married Dorothy Colston February 9, 1947, at the Presbyterian Church in Vinton, Iowa, and, prior to Dorothy's passing last August, celebrated more than 64 extraordinarily happy years of marriage with her.
Prior to his retirement in 1990, Harold was the first, and long-time manager of the Maquoketa Fareway Store. Starting out as a 'carry out boy' at a Fareway Store in Vinton, Harold did what has become increasingly more difficult as the decades pass. Through hard work, patience, perseverance, grit, and loyalty to his employer, he worked his way up through the retail grocery system, learning his trade in Fareway stores in Decorah, Manchester, and Ft. Dodge.
In short, virtually anyone who knew Harold liked him. From beggar to king, from family member to someone encountered for the first time, Harold treated everyone the same, as an equal, as a friend; and his kindness was invariably returned.
He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his great-grandchild.
Harold is survived by his children, Bobbi Alpers (Kurt Ullrich) of rural Jackson County, Iowa, Peggy Martin (Charles) of Oak Lawn, Ill., Mikel Alpers of Elk Grove Village, Ill., and AFS daughter (1969), Pawana Hongmanop of Bangkok, Thailand; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Messmer (Kyle), Nicholas Martin (Carrie), and Nathan Martin; great-granddaughter, Kelsey Messmer; sisters, Mae Wilhelmi (Don), of Atkins, Iowa, Joan Schrage (Orville), of Vinton, Iowa; brother, Russell Alpers of Palm Beach, Fla; sister-in-law, Virginia Albright (Ray) of Friendswood, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dorothy, his brothers, Roy Alpers, Les Alpers, and Stan Alpers; sisters, Lucille Cole, Mildred Fowler, and Ruth Lyons.
Memorials may be made to the Asbury United Methodist Church, 1809 Mississippi Boulevard, Bettendorf, IA 52722-4956.
Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.
Tributes
"Sorry to hear of your loss, Harold help mom get a job at the first fareway here in maq and mom was so thrilled to work for him. He was a great boss and a good friend "
"Bobbi, Peggy and Mike, I was saddened to read of Uncle Harold's passsing. He was one great guy and a wonderful loving uncle. My thoughts and prayers to you and your families. Won't be able to attend the funeral, but wanted to give my ove to you all!"
"My sympathy extends to all the Alpers family. Harold was such a great influence to so many people in the Fareway family. He taught me so much about people and the way everyone should be treated regardless of their background. I can recall him saying that everyone's dollar spent the same regardless how they lived. It didn't matter if that farmer had shit on his boots, that mother had children with torn clothes and running noses or a business person wearing a suit walking in the store, they all were valued people. Harold, thanks for your friendship and the life lessons you taught me, they have been valued. "
"Peggy,
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss. "
"Most of the people in our office didn't know Harold other than the stories we have been told. You were all very blessed to have had such a great father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather.He must have been a wonderful guy to have so many adore him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Very sorry for the loss of your wonderful father, father-in-law, grandfather, and great grandfather. You must be so grateful and proud to have shared your lives with him. What special memories you must share! "
"We are so sorry to hear of the loss of this special man! He was known and loved by so many and he touched the lives of others in countless ways. He will be missed but remembered always! Sympathies to his entire family. "
"Mike, Bobbi and Peggy
The heart remembers most what it has loved best. May memories of your dad comfort you and bring you peace."
"To the entire family of Harold Alpers: Please accept my heartfelt condolences at the passing of such a friendly and generous person. Harold hired me out of high school to work at Fareway in Maquoketa. I've always known him to be friendly, generous and fair in the treatment of his employees. He carried himself well and his example profoundly impacted me. Sorry for the loss of such a dear man."
"I am so sorry for your loss Bobbi. Thoughts are with you and your family. "
"We have such fond memories of Harold and he was known to us as "Pops". What a wonderful man! His stories about Fareway were the best. Oh my, he could make us laugh. What an honor to have worked with him and have known for so many years. We will miss him dearly."
"Harold will be missed! Harold and Dorothy were such wonderful people! I am thinking about all of you!"
"Sorry for ur loss prayers are with u all. Harold was a great person and one of my first bosses yrs. Ago. Learned a lot from him."
"Bobbi,Peggy,& Mike, You are in our prayers and thoughts. I can't think of anyone who smiled more. I still think of Uncle Harold everytime I jingle that change in my pocket. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten."
"Peggy, Mike and families
It saddens me yet again for the loss of such a wonderful person. The only thing that I can say is that he is with your mother now and they are again together. If there is anything you need at all please don't hesitate to let me know. They were truly a wonderful couple and I can be proud to say I knew them both."