Alphonse J. Uhlenkott, 99, Cottonwood

Our loving father, grandfather, uncle and friend passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 3, 2009.

He was born Oct. 17, 1909, to Amalia and Joseph Uhlenkott, on their farm four miles southeast of Cottonwood. He married Pauline Sprute in 1938 and they moved to Wilmington, Calif., where Al worked as an electrician and a welder on the Liberty and Victory ships used to transport cargo and troops during World War II. They returned to Cottonwood after the war in 1946, and he began farming and joined his father in their well-drilling business.

In 1979, he retired to his final home in Cottonwood. Here he enjoyed woodworking in his shop and traveling with their many friends. One of the highlights of Dad's travels was his trip to the Holy Land in 1975. He had a great love of his faith and he was in awe to walk where Jesus had walked. He demonstrated his faith daily in showing his love to his family and friends. Being out in nature was another of his loves, especially driving up to the Seven Devils, which was a regular summer trip.

He was preceded in death by Pauline, his wife of 59 years; his daughter Judy; his brothers John, Ray and Joe; and his sisters, Sister Augustine, OSB, and Sister Engelberta, OSB.

He is survived by his daughters, Anna Brannan of Auburn, Wash., Susan Reinhardt and Jean Walters, both of Spokane; granddaughters Julie Parsons of Bellingham, Wash., Katie Hoefer of Seattle and Casey Burke of Spokane; one grandson, Tyson Reinhardt of Spokane; and one great-granddaughter, Elle Hoefer of Seattle.

Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. today at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood. The funeral will be at 4 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Church, followed by the burial at Cottonwood Catholic Cemetery. The celebrant will be the Rev. Ben Uhlenkott.

We loved our dad and will miss him greatly, but know he lived a wonderful 99 years and that he is at peace. We especially wish to give a special thanks to all of Al's Angels, who provided such loving care to our dad these past five years.