Al Wold

Al Wold, 90, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, at his home in Rochester.

Allan Halbert Wold was born on May 28, 1925, to Konard and Signe (Peterson) Wold in Blooming Prairie, Minn. After graduating from Blooming Prairie High School in 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Air Corp and served for three years. He attended St. Olaf College, graduating in 1949. He met his wife of 66 years, Beverly Dybvig, at St. Olaf, and they were married on June 6, 1950. Al completed his master's degree from Mankato State University.

Al began his teaching and coaching profession in Lyle, Minn., followed by years in Austin, Kenyon and Faribault. In 1966, he started his 24-year career as head boys' basketball coach at Rochester John Marshall. He took teams to the Minnesota State Tournament several times, and the 1969 JM team won the state title. His distinguished coaching career was recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to basketball, Al enjoyed coaching girls' golf and boys' tennis. In the summers, Al worked as a crop adjuster for Rain and Hail Insurance, keeping him connected to both farmers and the Minnesota farmland he found beautiful.

Al was involved with the Rochester community as an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and as a longtime participant in the Rochester Quarterbacks Club. His favorite pastime was playing golf with friends. Above all, Al measured the quality of his life through relationships. He was a family man, devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren and his close extended family for which he expressed unending gratitude and pride. He will be remembered for his integrity, his enduring faith, his deep appreciation for colleagues and countless students, and for his love of sharing time centered around humorous stories that charmed all who knew him.

Al is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Kraig Wold of Lithia, Fla., Daniel (Kyja Thorsgard) Wold of Mound, Minn., Kristi (Jean De Ridder) Wold of Palo Alto, Calif., and Karin Parish-Wold of Minneapolis, Minn.; grandchildren, Nathan and Erin Wold; Thomas, Audrey and Julia De Ridder; Ella, Max and Chloe Parish; sisters, Harriet Matchan of Owatonna, Minn., Lois (Paul) Christenson of Red Wing, Minn., and Sonja (Warren) Salveson of Minneapolis; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his son, Mikkel; sister, Marilyn Kaercher; and brothers-in-law, George Matchan and Don Kaercher.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, with Pastor Charles Ortloff officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Inurnment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery following the reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Olaf College, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or a memorial of the donor's choice.

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com. Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester.