Alvin R. Ehresmann

Alvin Robert Ehresmann, 78, of Jefferson, S.D., formerly of Sioux City, succumbed to cancer and died peacefully at his home Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, after visiting with friends and family.
Memorial services will be noon Friday at Peace Reformed Church in Sioux City. Lunch will follow. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Al was born on Nov. 8, 1937, in Delmont, S.D., to Robert and Ida Selma (Fischer) Ehresmann. He graduated from Tripp High School in Tripp, S.D. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955 and trained as a metalsmith at Great Lakes NTC. He served aboard the USS Hamul (AD20) until 1957, where he was inducted into the Imperial Domain of the Golden Dragon. He then transferred to the USS St. Paul (CA73), where he became a Shellback. He was honorably discharged in November 1958.
Al returned home to South Dakota, and resumed farming with his family. In 1961, he married Bonnie Gillette of Menno, S.D., and had a daughter, Kristie Kay, in 1962. They left the farm in 1969 and settled in Sioux City. Al worked in various industries in the surrounding area. In 1975, he married Sharon (Eldhardt) Kluender of Sioux City, and had a son, Michael Alvin Robt, in 1976.
In 1979, Al joined the U.S. Naval Reserves as a boiler technician aboard the USS Charleston (LKA113), where he became a Bluenose. He received his second honorable discharge in 1981.
Upon his return home, he began work and soon became the supervisor for the Plumbing Heating and Electrical Department for the Sioux City Community School District. He was respected by many for his vast mechanical knowledge and warm demeanor. In 1989, he married Jean (Erickson) Kahler. He retired in 2000, and spent the duration of his life transforming a neglected patch of ground in rural Jefferson into a vibrant sanctuary of life. He enjoyed his time at the ranch, where he could tinker and build, tend to his animals, and manage his garden.
Al was a member of Peace Reformed Church. He coached soccer for the YMCA for many years. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, and watching westerns. He loved all music, from polka to rock and roll, and was an excellent dancer. Women would stand in line to get a chance to jitterbug with him. He was a critical thinker, and prided himself on his ability to fix nearly anything. He was a great storyteller, and always had a dirty joke ready to lighten the mood. He excelled at making others laugh.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Jean of Jefferson; a daughter, Kristie Poteet (husband, Curtis) of Crete, Neb.; a son, Michael Ehresmann (wife, Lisa) of Grinnell, Iowa; a sister, Esther Guthmiller of Tripp, S.D.; five grandchildren, Chas, Alan, Hunter, Ethan and Ava; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; as well as the extended Kahler and Erickson families.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Ruby Maag; and brother, Ronald Ehresmann.
His family would like to thank the nurses of Mercy Oncology and Hospice of Siouxland, for their care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Alvin's name to the Siouxland Humane Society.