Alvin Frieler

Alvin B. "Al" Frieler, age 80 of Melrose, passed away peacefully at the Melrose Area Hospital on Wednesday, November 2, 2011 surrounded by his family after suffering from a stroke.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 5 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 8 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Parish prayers will be at 5 p.m. followed by the Knights of Columbus, Council 1633 at 6 p.m. Friday evening.

Alvin Bernard Frieler was born November 2, 1931 in Meire Grove, Minnesota to George and Mary (Wenker) Frieler. On September 1, 1953 he married Rita Kerkering. Al was a well-known man by many, whether he was farming, working for Pep's Pork, Kraft Foods, or gathering with friends to play cards and enjoy their company. His family meant the world to him and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to share. In celebrating Al's life, he will be remembered as a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. Al believed he had a blessed life and lived every day to the fullest. Al was thankful to have had a wonderful marriage to Rita and cherished his family and friends.

Al was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose and the Knights of Columbus, Council 1633.

Survivors include his wife, Rita Frieler of Melrose; children, Don (Leann Rage) Frieler of Lake Park, Dar (Ken) Douvier of Melrose, Gary (Val Larson) Frieler of Lake Park, Tom (Barb Fritzlar) of Melrose, and Jeanne (Dean) Elfering of St. Rosa; 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; sister and brothers, Doris (Ervin) Goebel of St. Joseph, Vern (Aggie) Frieler of Grey Eagle, Ed Frieler of Melrose, and Duane (Rita) Frieler of Elrosa; sisters-in-law, Eileen Frieler of Annandale and Hildegard Frieler of Sauk Centre.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jeron Frieler; daughter, Karen Nelson; granddaughter, Kristina Nelson; brothers and sister, Regina Frieler, Norb Frieler, Francis Frieler, Lloyd Frieler, and Lawrence Frieler; and sisters-in-law, Loretta Frieler and Viola Frieler.

Al will be missed by all who knew him, his love for life, and his good humor.

Serving as casket bearers will be his grandsons, Mike Frieler, Cody Douvier, Austin Douvier, Ryan Elfering, Kurt Frieler, Jacob Frieler, Justin Frieler, and Chris Frieler. Cross bearer will be Megan Douvier and scripture bearer will be Travis Frieler.