Alan Berkley Zumwalt, age 78, of Portage, IN passed away on November 6, 2022. He was born April 19, 1944, in Los Angeles, CA to Glenn and Evelyn (Haag) Zumwalt.
Alan is survived by his daughters, Amber (Tyler) Mark of Colorado Springs, and Elizabeth (Arturo) Alfaro of Santa Fe; son, Brandon (Rosalind) Murray of New Orleans; sister-in-law, Dianna Sater; brothers-in-law, Mark Gerber, and Wayne (Lynn) Gerber; eight grandchildren, Madison, Ethan, Allison, William, Cecilia, Griffin, Brandon Jr., and Magdalena; two nephews-in-law, Joshua and Nathan; and three nieces-in-law, Nicole, Lindsay, and Kirsten. He was preceded in death by his wife, Melody Zumwalt; son, Andrew Zumwalt; brother, Glenn G. Zumwalt; father, Glenn B. Zumwalt; mother, Evelyn Zumwalt; brother-in-law, Thomas Sater; and his beloved dog, Katie.
Alan was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son. As a young man, he served in the United States Navy. He loved recounting stories of his time fighting in the Vietnam War to his children and grandchildren, no matter how many times they'd heard them. Post Naval service, Alan was a civil engineer, working for Boeing, the city of Kenosha, Archuleta County, and Los Alamos County where he met the love of his life, Melody. His happiest place was anywhere with her. They spent as much time as they could out in nature, exploring the beauties of the country. They shared their love of camping and fishing with their family and friends, often taking their grandchildren on camping trips with them. Alan fiercely loved his grandchildren and was infinitely proud of them. He loved watching his granddaughters, Madison and Allison, dance. He also loved watching football, especially when his grandson Ethan was on the field. He was a talented builder, having built many decks and always being a handyman around the house. He loved jazz, playing cards, and being around his friends and family. When asked what they miss the most about Alan, his family had an extensive list. His daughter Amber said she misses his steadiness. He was a constant in her life and she would give anything to hear him complain about something again. His daughter Elizabeth said she misses his lasagna and beef stroganoff and the funny birthday cards he always gave. His granddaughter Madison said she misses mornings spent with him, sitting quietly and eating peanut butter muffins together. His grandson Ethan said he misses his encouragement. His granddaughter Allison said she misses his sense of humor, amazing hugs, and desire to be there for his family. Alan was loved beyond measure and will be missed dearly.
He will be honored in a Celebration of Life held next year when he, Melody, and their dog Katie are scattered amongst nature in their favorite creek in Colorado.