Albert “Al” Paul Resch

Albert "Al" Paul Resch went to heaven on Jan. 6, 2016, surrounded by his family.

Al was born to John and Bertha during a blizzard at the family farm outside of Harris, Minn., on Jan. 25, 1928. Dad grew up on various farms in the area and went to school in the Rush City, Minn., area. At the age of 17, he left home to join the navy during World War II. He served on the USS Puget Sound and was discharged on July 22, 1946.

Al married the love of his life, Mary Ann "Mickey" Neidmire, on June 20, 1950. To this union, eight children were born. Dad and Mom were married until April 17, 2013, when Mom passed away just before their 63rd wedding anniversary. Al and Mickey were members of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Dad's faith gave him comfort and strength.

Al worked construction his whole life and moved around with the work from Washington, Louisiana, North Dakota and California, eventually settling in Montana. Al was a land and construction surveyor, and worked for many engineering companies during his career, retiring from Engineering Inc. in 1994. Al also owned his own construction company, ALBOLAD, and worked in the Montana and Wyoming area, building farm buildings. Al enjoyed having his sons and sons-in-law work with him in his company.

Al had a love for the outdoors and looked forward to autumn to be able to hunt. He even shot, dressed and loaded his own elk just months before his passing at the age of 87. He could always be found camping, fishing or hunting. Summers were a time for gardening, and he would start his plants every spring in the windows around the house. He canned and made homemade jams that he loved to give away. Dad was a tinkerer; there was nothing that he could not manufacture or figure out. He loved to work crossword and math puzzles; for a man with an eighth grade education, he never found a math problem he could not solve. His memory was amazing, as he remembered birthdays, anniversaries and important dates, and could recite them at will.

Al was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann; his son, Joseph; his sons-in-law, Robert Stoll and Richard Schwenk; his parents; and eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his two sisters, Julia Biggins and Jo Thor of Minnesota; his children, Chris Resch and her children James, Richard and Janie; Peggy Stoll and her children, Russell and Dusty; Larry (Pam) Resch and their children Kristin and Kelsey; Sue Schwenk and her children Gregg and Samantha; Ginny (Ron) Malloy and their children Vickey, Ron and John; Kay (Bill) Fenton; and Dave (Becky) Resch and their son Jacob. Al was blessed with his 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

In loving memory of our father, mentor, coach and educator. Dad, you will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 11, with a vigil at 7 p.m., at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 717 18th St. West.