Alfred Groetsch

Alfred H. "Al" Groetsch, age 79 of Albany, died on Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Albany Area Hospital in Albany.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany with Rev. Jonathan Licari, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Seven Dolors Gathering Area. Parish prayers will be at 4:30 p.m. followed by the St. Joseph's Men's Society and Knights of Columbus at 7 p.m. Monday evening at the Seven Dolors Gathering Area.

Alfred Groetsch was born January 12, 1929 in Albany Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to Anton and Susan Groetsch. Al attended Holy Family School until the eighth grade. On September 20, 1954, he married Rita Kutzer at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany. The couple farmed in the Albany area until 1963, when Al built, owned and operated the Albany Meat Processing Company. He also worked at Robel Meat Packing Company in St. Cloud. He was employed by Jennie-O and after retirement worked at New Munich Meats helping process deer during deer season. He was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Albany, the St. Joseph's Men's Society, and the Knights of Columbus. Al enjoyed bowling and softball in his younger years and always loved to fish. He also enjoyed hunting, playing cards, and spending time at the cabin, taking his grandchildren fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Groetsch of Albany; children, Larry (Kathy) Groetsch of St. Joseph, Sandra (Rick) Davis of Monticello, Rick (Anne) Groetsch of St. Cloud, and Mary Jane (Ken) Schleif of Becker; 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Lucille Hondl of Albany, Clarence Groetsch of Albany, Walter Groetsch of Avon, and Lorraine Voit of Albany.

Alfred was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Catherine; and brothers, Wilfred, Elmer, Anthony, and Leander Groetsch.

Serving as casket bearers will be Karla Welle, Glen Groetsch, Stacy Hoffarth, Tracy Shay, Marie Chambers, Laura Davis, Lisa Davis, and Kyle Schleif. Serving as cross bearer will be Jessie Schleif and scripture bearer will be Kendra Hoffarth.