Alfred Elmo Dannheim

Alfred E. Dannheim "Papa", age 92, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, at 8:06 p.m. in Gilbert, surrounded by loved ones.

Born to Ernest and Thelma Dannheim in Stanfield, AZ, Al was one of five sons. He grew up in TX and AZ and excelled in athletics, setting state records in football and track and field at both Lometa High School in Texas and Casa Grande Union High in Arizona.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was awarded a Bronze Star. He continued to serve his country as an award-winning tennis player, playing in the All-France Amateur Tennis Championship; rising to the top amongst hundreds of competitors, on the red clay court with only two years of experience in the sport!

On August 22, 1954, he married the love of his life, Helen Elizabeth Beasley. They had two sons, James “Andy” and Randy, and settled in Chandler in 1962 to raise their family after his service ended.

Alfred was a Deputy Sheriff for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Department for seven years, reaching the rank of Flight Leader and Sergeant before joining Valley National Bank around 1971. He retired in 1989 as the Assistant Vice President and Manager of the downtown Mesa Main Branch when Chase Bank took over.

Alfred and Helen took in their two twin granddaughters, Elizabeth and Jennifer, to raise as their own in their golden years. This sacrifice brought them immense joy but also had a profoundly positive impact on the girls' lives, which still remains to this day.

After the twins graduated, Papa and Grams moved to Casa Grande for several years before coming back to Chandler and settling into the Sunbird Golf Resort Community. He loved golf, during his life he shot 11 holes-in-one and played nearly every day, proudly shooting his age well into his 80s.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helen; his son Andy; his parents; and his brothers Jim and Dave. He is survived by his son Randy and daughter-in-law Jeanie; grandchildren Elizabeth, Jennifer, Amanda, Hope, Daniel, Patrick, and Danielle; their spouses; 16 great-grandchildren; his brothers Nathan and Bobby; many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Instead of a funeral, Al requested a celebration of life. Please reach out to the family for details. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Meals on Wheels; an organization that both helped his mother and himself later in life: https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org