Merrill Robert "Al" Albright, 68, of Ames, formerly of Fort Dodge and Arnolds Park, died Monday, June 28, 2010, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames after a courageous battle with cancer and myelofibrosis. A gathering of friends and family will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 2, at Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames. A celebration of life service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 3, also at Collegiate Presbyterian Church.
Merrill "Al" was born July 3, 1941, in Algona, the son of Robert G. and Margaret (Dodds) Albright. The family then moved to Arnold's Park where Al grew up. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1962. He married Judy Maynard March 24, 1962 in Fort Dodge where he was employed for 25 years at Marigold/Kemp Dairy before retiring from Anderson Erickson. Al and Judy moved to Ames in 1981. Upon retirement Al drove truck in Ames for Cooper and Sons and later ConStruct. Al enjoyed weights lifting, running and the pride of completing marathons. Al was a member of Ames Area Running Club and Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames.
Al is survived by his wife, Judy, of Ames; daughters, Gigi Swett (Lynn), of Story City, Tami Dake (Dwight), of Ames, and Kim Ewing (Dan), of Fort Dodge; grandchildren, Ian, Shayne, Ryder and Cayden Swett, of Story City, Matthew (Krystal Hering) and Drayke Dake, of Ames, and Breah Moehnke (Kyle) and Drew Ewing, of Fort Dodge; sisters, Meredith Wing, of Encino, Calif., JoEllen McGrane and LuRee Denman, both of Des Moines, and Janell Brady, of Waterloo; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.
Dear Judy Sorry to hear about Al passing away .I did not see it Ft.Dodge paper. Bill Mericle told me yesterday. I'll always remember the many many goodtimes we all had. Our prayers are with you and the family.
Myself and former classmates of Meredith Wing send our loving thoughts and prayers to her and the families of Al.
Judy, so Sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Cancer can not take away the great memories. I thank you for all that you've done for my Daughter as well, even during all your own battles. You are a very courageous person. God Bless you!
Sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God Bless you all. Love Dave & Kari Lieser
Dear Judy and family,
My son Steve let me know of Al's
passing. You have our sincere condolences.
Your all remembered fondly,
Carol Fleming
Judy and family,My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Big Al
and I worked at AE together quite a few years,he was so fun and could always make me laugh,taught me alot about being a milkman and to enjoy life. I'll sure miss him,along with alot of people whose lives in which he touched.He will never be forgotten.God bless you all!
Judy . . . my heart goes out to you. You had to endure lots of pain and suffering with Al's battle, let alone your battle.
I do pray that you are OK at this time. You were very helpful with the class reunion and and a person I admire for the strength and courage you showed while you were under lots of stress at that time. May God bless you in this time of mourning.
Thanks Grandpa for all of the wonderful vacations and unforgetable memories! Thank you for always being there and thanks for being my grandpa!!!
With Love, Breah
My son Scott and I were reminiscing about Al Albright the athlete today. Al ran, lifted weights, bicycled and kept himself in very good shape. Of course there was always the humorous aspect of what he said and did. You had to watch for the twinkle in his eye. Scott remembers when he was 10 or 11 years old Al was over at the house and took off his t-shirt, bared his chest and made those chest muscles dance up and down. Scott was amazed!!! How do you do that?? That was Al, an amazing person. Thanks for the good times Al.
Judy I saw in the FD paper about your husband passing. It is a difficult time I know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Judy and family - We are thinking of you and fondly remember Al sitting on the deck and chatting with us as we did various things in our yard. Condolences from your old backyard neighbors on Ross Road.
Kim & Family~
So Sorry to hear about your loss, he was a super great guy and Randy has alot of fun memories of him, always a good time when he was around~ you are all in our thoughts and prayers~ we love you,
Lisa, Randy & Ben Ewing xoxo
Tami, Dwight, Judy, Gigi, Matt and Drayke: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Todd, Melonie, Shelbi and Megan Spear
Tami, Dwight, and Drayke, we are sorry to hear of your loss. Blessings to you and your family.
Joyce, Mark and Taylor Hagley
Visitation
Ames, IA 50014
Service
Ames, IA 50014