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Albert Aldinger Sr. | Service:
Thursday, June 15, 2006
2:00 PM
Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home
221 N. Meade Ave.
Glendive, MT 59330
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| | | Albert Aldinger Sr., age 79, of Glendive, better known as "Gramps" or "Opa" passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 10, 2006 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Montana with family members by his side.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive and on Thursday from 9:00 A.M. until time of services. A Life Tribute Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, June 15, 2006 in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Celebrant Sandy Silha officiating. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements.
Albert was born on November 27, 1926 in Romania, the only son in a family of five children born to Gottlieb and Emma Aldinger. He moved to Germany and while residing there was a talented musician playing trumpet in a German marching orchestra and also in a dance band. He worked as a tailor designing and constructing men and women's clothing. Upon immigrating to the United States in 1956, he and his wife and two children settled in Fallon, Montana where Albert was employed by Aldinger Construction, owned and operated by his uncle, Robert Aldinger. Albert and his family moved to Glendive in 1966. In the late 1970's, Albert and his son started AA Quality Construction which they operated together until 1985. Albert retired from the construction business in 1991.
Albert loved flower gardening and it became his favorite hobby during his retired years. His beautiful flower garden remains as proof of his love for gardening. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing and he enjoyed the great outdoors with his family and friends. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play basketball and most recently enjoyed listening to his grandsons play basketball for the University of Mary Maurauders via his computer. Al's daily companion was his little Schnauzer, Heidi.
Albert is survived by his daughter, Harriet Walber and her husband Bob of Arlington, Texas; his son, Albert E. Aldinger and his wife Patti of Glendive; grandchildren, Shannon Walber and his wife Megan of Harper, Texas, Eric Aldinger and his wife Karla and Alex Aldinger, all of Bismarck, North Dakota; his uncle, Robert Aldinger and his wife Erna of Glendive; three sisters, Alma Schoblocher, Ella Knapp and Erna Knorr along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of Germany.
Eulogy by Celebrant Sandy Silha:
As you entered the chapel today, the background music playing was German. This music and the music you will hear as you exit are CDs belonging to Albert Aldinger, Sr. Being a talented musician who played trumpet in a German marching band and also in a dance band, Albert enjoyed listening to music, especially German music throughout his life.
Before we begin Albert Aldinger, Sr.’s eulogy, I would like to mention that Albert’s daughter Harriet, her husband Bob, and their son Shannon and Shannon’s wife, Megan, are not able to be present today. They are awaiting the arrival of their first child. Their thoughts are with us here today at Albert’s life tribute service. Please take a moment today to send good thoughts their way.
Celebrant: Eulogy
Albert Aldinger, Sr. was born in Romania but was raised and spent his early years of adulthood in Germany. Imagine growing up in Germany during the 30’s and 40’s with Hitler and the Nazi movement. As a young man, Albert did what young men do during times of war, he fought for his country. Albert served in the German army during World War II and was stationed on the Russian front. During this time, Albert had to learn to ski as he was sometimes on snow patrol. When Germany surrendered to the Allied Forces, German troops were to turn themselves in to POW camps. Albert knew how cruel the Russians were treating German prisoners, so he made his way across the lines to surrender to the Americans.
In post war Germany, Albert went to school to become a tailor. He designed and constructed both men’s and women’s clothing. But wanting more opportunity for himself and his family, Albert immigrated to the United States in 1956, bringing his young wife, Ruth, and their children, a daughter, Harriet who was 5 years old and son Al, who was two.
At this time, I would like to share Harriet’s memories of her father and family.
To My Family and Friends in Glendive:
I will always remember that my Dad left this earth on Saturday, June 10th because thirty-three years ago on that day we were all in Billings celebrating my wedding. His last breath of life was taken in the same hospital in which my son took his first breath, twenty seven years ago; and now, my son and his wife await the arrival of their first son. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are here today. In the midst of my tears my husband reminded me of this consoling thought: “Remember Harriet that for every end there is a new beginning.”
Our Dad, a man who fulfilled his dream----- To be a citizen of the United States of America; not only because he knew it was the greatest country in the world but because an individual has the right to exercise his freedoms.
Although he left Germany, he remained proud of his German heritage and worked to maintain family traditions.
If he were here with us today, the “Beer Barrel Polka” would be playing in the background and he would be drinking a beer and eating a bratwurst.
He faced many challenges. Providing for his family was major. Upon arriving in the states, he basically started over. He immigrated with a wife, two children, $200 and a crate of personal possessions.
He had to switch from the design and construction of clothing to reading blueprints for the construction of residential and commercial facilities that Aldinger Construction built in all parts of the state. I have a special place in my heart for Uncle Bob and Aunt Erna. They played a major role in our lives and family means a great deal to me.
I remember when Dad bought our first house in Fallon. He got it totally torn apart and was not able to get it all closed in before winter came that year.
I remember not having indoor plumbing and taking Al out to the outhouse because I believe that both of us were a little afraid of the dark.
Not being able to speak English was a real challenge for my father.
It was through the job that he learned English and I want to believe that it was due to the construction business that he learned all the cuss words first.
He loved gardening,
But back then, it was not a hobby, it was survival. We had a huge garden with all the vegetables. Mother would can vegetables during the entire growing season in preparation for winter. We always had plenty to eat.
Once a year, Dad would butcher a pig and half a beef. All the meat would be cut and wrapped for the freezer and all the sausage would be made. Neighbors and friends would visit to view the process. It was usually an entire weekend’s production from early morning till late at night. Al and I would have designated duties and everyone had to help. . I distinctly remember having to turn the handle of the sausage press that stuffed the meat into the casings. The big reward was always a string of miniature sausages he made especially for the kids.
He instilled in us a work ethic. Times were so different then. We didn’t have much—but I believe the little we had was appreciated more.
I pray that God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change and the inspiration to believe that:
Nothing that is loved is ever lost…..
No One who has touched a life or
Who has brought beauty to the world is ever truly gone.
Those we cherish will live on in Memory.
My Memory Today---Our Dad!
To my Brother, Al; Sister, Patti; Eric and Karla; and Alex and Bev Kasper:
I want you to know that I love and appreciate you. All of you hold a special place in my heart and in my life.
God Bless Everyone! --- We hope to see you in July!
Albert moved his family to Glendive in 1966, and continued his construction work. After twenty years with Uncle Bob, Albert decided to start his own construction business and asked his son Al, to join him. Albert and Al started AA Quality Construction. Albert was a hardworking man, but seemed to be a better employee than a businessman. As Al commented, “He, Albert, would step over a dollar to pick up a dime.” Albert and Al operated AA Quality Construction until 1985. At this time, Albert was going through some personal conflict, and son Al felt the need to go out on his own in the construction business. This split caused a rift in Albert and Al’s relationship lasting for several years. Al had married Patti by this time and consequently, Albert missed out on the childhood of his two young grandsons, Eric and Alex, which Albert came to regret greatly.
When Albert was in his late 60’s, he suffered a stroke. Al was called and because he was the one living here, the responsibility for his father fell to him. The stroke was probably a blessing in disguise, as a new relationship developed between Albert and Al, which included Patti, and in big part, Eric and Alex, whom Albert called “little one”. After Albert’s stroke and initial recovery period, Al and Patti took him to the New Hope Center in Billings for rehabilitation. The people there told Al that his father would be at the Center a minimum of two months. When Al and Patti were leaving, it was the only time Al had ever seen his father cry. That was a difficult time. But Albert, being Albert, was home in three weeks. When Albert put his mind to something, right, wrong or indifferent, he did it. Albert quit smoking and was able to live in his own home and really got along pretty well. His companion was always a little Schnauzer dog, the latest dog being named Heidi. He began going to Eric and Alex’s sporting events, and became their biggest fan. Even to the point of the family having to calm him down occasionally, as he would threaten to call coaches. Eric says Gramps could put several four-letter words together and make them sound like one word. And Alex remembers that Gramps always knew how many points Alex had scored when the game was over. Perhaps you noticed the Marauder hat in Albert’s hands. Albert was a big follower of University of Mary basketball. When Eric and Alex played Marauder basketball, Gramps got a computer so he could listen to all the games. And at least once a year, Al and Patti would take him for a week-end in Bismarck to sit behind the bench and watch his grandsons play ball. He was very proud of his grandsons, all three, Eric, Alex and Shannon. They were the highlight of his life. He was especially proud of his grandson’s graduating from college. Gramps made them each a suit to go out in the world in. When Albert was ready to construct these, he would ask Patti to shop for him. Albert would scoff at the fabric made now-a-days for suits, and want a “good wool’. Bev, Patti’s mom would scour Bismarck for a “good wool” that Albert would find suitable. Eric’s suit is made of such heavy wool, Gramps must have thought he was going to the Arctic and going to work outside. Even though Eric may never wear that suit, what a warm feeling it must be to have had Gramps do that so he Eric could take on the world. Besides Gramps knew people didn’t know how to dress anymore!
The suit Albert is wearing today is one he made for himself.
A couple of the suits tailored by Albert for himself that stand out in the minds of his family are those he made a few years back. His daughter, Harriet had given Albert an airline ticket at Chistmas for Albert to come to Texas and visit her and the family. Plans were made that Albert would go to Texas in March. This gave Albert time to make new suits to ride the airplane, which he was convinced he needed to do. His son, Al and daughter-in-law, Patti, were to take Albert to Bismarck and put him on the plane. Al called his sister and told her, “You will know who your father is when he gets off the plane because he will be wearing a lime green suit.” Harriet was used to Al exaggerating and didn’t take him seriously until she saw Albert. Al hadn’t exaggerated much! The only saving grace for the family was that Albert flew to Texas on St. Patrick’s Day and everyone thought he was Irish. When Al and Patti picked Albert up at the airport on his return from Texas, Albert was wearing a red vest, and blue jacket with big white woman’s shank buttons. Albert was very frugal and would find a way to use everything he had, including buttons and other scraps. Albert had some wood lying around and decided to build birdhouses to put on his fence around his yard. Eric and Alex were quite impressed and thought that a good idea until they saw what Gramps did. Fourteen birdhouses, one on every post and all painted with some old house paint Albert had kept around and guess what color…lime green!
When Eric married Karla, Albert kind of laid claim to her. He would introduce them as his grandsons, Eric and “little one” and his granddaughter, Karla. Not Eric’s wife but his granddaughter. And Albert was always asking “little one” about his girlfriend or the lack thereof.
One of the things that became routine was Al and Patti was having Albert over for Sunday dinner. But Albert was an excellent cook himself, making traditional German foods. You know the kind, lots of fat and cholesterol and really good. And Albert expected you to eat. As Al put it, “you ate until you were full and then you had another plate.”
Another of Albert’s talents was his gardening. Even when it was difficult for Albert to do physical things, he managed to maintain a flower garden that was worthy to be on the cover of a magazine. *
Albert was not a church going man and did not practice any form of religion. But he loved music and his daughter has selected two songs that were favorites of Albert’s to be included in his life tribute service today. Let us now listen to “In the Garden”.
Song: “In The Garden”
Celebrant
A couple weeks ago, Albert was experiencing some problems and Al took him to the doctor in Billings. A simple surgery was scheduled, and Albert returned home. As the days went by, Albert got to feeling worse and got weaker. Al took his father back to the doctor, tests were run and cancer was found throughout Albert’s body. On Saturday, he commented to Al and Patti that he had not seen their new house yet. They assured him he would see it. Late Saturday night, June 10, 2006, in St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, Albert Aldinger, Sr. affectionally known as “Gramps” or “Opa”, died with Al and Patti at his side. Today in Albert’s casket, are pictures of Al and Patti’s new house for Albert to look at when he wishes.
During Albert’s life, Albert had, as Al puts it, “burned a lot of bridges.” Perhaps that is so. But this life tribute service for Albert Aldinger is happening because of a family that cares. Albert was a father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He was a part of the fabric of his children lives, their family’s lives, his grandson’s lives. What he was, helped shape what they are. It is important to recognize that. Albert has left his family with many legacies, some they are already are aware of; with time, they will probably recognize other gifts Albert has left with them. It is in remembering Albert and in sharing these memories and thoughts, that the sharp edges of grief will smooth out a bit. Every person’s life has value and in understanding that, our own lives become richer.
Please listen to a message from Albert’s grandson Shannon and his wife Megan.
“I can remember as a young child the time Opa and I went on a great fishing adventure. The quality time that we were able to spend together is something that I will never forget. As I grow up, the times unfortunately grew to be less and less that Opa and I were able to spend together because of the distance between our two homes. Although there were many miles between us, I always wanted to make him proud of me, do what he would find pleasing and give me his blessings on. He was quick to let me know that I did not call him often enough or see him as much as we both would have liked, but he was always pulling for me and loved me no matter what. This past year as I got married, I was able to see him and spend some more quality time with him. He was so proud of me for finally taking the big step to settle down and have grown up responsibilities. My wife, Megan, and I did not waste any time in starting a family once we got married. We are expecting our son Jace Robert very soon now. We know that he would have loved his Great Opa just as much as we love him. He will be greatly missed, but the wonderful memories we were able to make and the happy thoughts of him that we have will always fill our hearts with joy and happiness.
With Love and Warm Thoughts,
Shannon and Megan
Song: “A Closer Walk With Thee”
Celebrant: Closing
It is an important day when we take time from the business of our lives to bear witness to a person’s life and times among us, the difference his living and dying has made among family and community and to take time to express our memories and our grief. Thank you all for being here today.
It was Albert’s wish that he be cremated, which the family will have done following today’s life tribute service. A family memorial service will be held at a later date, when Albert’s daughter, Harriet, and her family can also be present. Al, Patti, Eric and Karla and Alex invite you to join them for refreshments next door at the Silvernale-Silha Tribute Center immediately following today’s service.
This concludes Albert Aldinger Sr.’s life tribute service. Thank you.
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