Alvin John "Al" Kreuz

Alvin "Al" John Kreuz, nearly 81, of Delta answered his heavenly calling on Friday, May 20, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 24, 1935, in rural Swanton to the late Jacob and Melvina (Langenderfer) Kreuz. On August 22, 1959, Al and Charlotte Lou Gleckler (Delta) were married. This union was meant to be; it continued strong for 57 years, and she survives.

Al was the second youngest of 11 children, three brothers and seven sisters. Imagine that household! Al attended Immaculate Conception (Raabs) grade school, and was a proud 1953 Swanton High School graduate. Shortly after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1955-57.

Al's career was interesting and eclectic. His family farming background set the groundwork for a long career, beginning with the Sohio Company, where he rose to a management position, followed by a business partnership with Toledo Radiator and Glass. A 40-year career as owner/operator of Smith's Restaurant of Wauseon began in 1972. His desire to serve the community compelled him to seek a political position, resulting in serving three terms as a county commissioner. "Vote for the man, not the party" was his slogan that earned him the distinction in 1980 of being the first Democrat elected in Fulton County in 48 years! In addition, he was an integral member of a group that founded the Wauseon Racquet Club. Al eventually retired to spend more time with family and friends (and on the links).

Al was a member and leader of multiple organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Wauseon Rotary, Catholic War Vets, and the Delta F & M Advisory Board.

As a lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast, his talents on the softball field, bowling alley, and golf course earned him many awards and accolades. He was most proud of his nine (no, you didn't misread this) holes-in-one. His skill never abated, and for the last 12 years he continued to periodically shoot his age up until the end. As for bowling, his first and only perfect 300 game earned him a $10,000 purse (ironically sponsored by Smith's Restaurant!). His love of athletics and teaching prompted him to volunteer as a coach with the CYO and St. Mary's (now Holy Trinity) basketball programs for 27 years. Additionally, he coached little league, and later assisted the Evergreen High School golf team.

It would be remiss to omit his extreme allegiance and devotion to the University of Michigan Wolverines, having been a season ticket holder for 44 years (the first in 1969 when Bo's team beat Woody's team). Much of the thrill involved sharing the experience with family and friends in the "Big House." Tinkering in his workshop evolved into an amazing talent in woodworking. Many of his family and friends continue to enjoy his labors of love. His generosity extended in a number of areas, especially the Fulton County 4-H program and St. Mary's/Holy Trinity Parish in Assumption.

Al's children and grandchildren were the apple of his eye. He was a constant presence at all of their athletic and extracurricular activities, willing to travel any distance to cheer them on.

He is also survived by his son, Mike; daughters, Laurie (Edd Martinez) Kreuz, Becky (Casey) Gaynor, and Barbie (Todd) Baldwin; his daughter-in-law, Katie (Kreuz) Cornelius; grandchildren, Clayton, Noah, and Kori Kreuz, Tyler Sutton; Abbie, Charlton and Parry Cornelius; Atley, Autry, and Aivry Gaynor; Hannah, Elisabeth and Isaiah Baldwin; sisters, Clavera Ramlow, Antoinette O'Connor, and Regina Ankenbrandt; brothers, Norm (Ellie) Kreuz and Jerry (Carol) Kreuz; and many wonderful nieces and nephews, practically too numerous to count!

He was also preceded in death by his sons, Gary and Alvin John Jr.; granddaughter, Lauren Kreuz; sisters, Veronica Helfich, Agnes Parks, Mary Jane Hughes and Eleanor Corrigan; and brother, Bob Kreuz.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Assumption, with Fr. Thomas Helfrich and Fr. Michael Dandurand officiating. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery in Assumption.

Family and friends may visit 4-8 p.m. Monday, May 23, 2016, at Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, and Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Trinity Church School Building Fund, 2649 U.S. 20, Swanton, Ohio 43558.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.weigelfuneralhomes.com.