Albert Charles Kientz

Las Cruces - Albert Charles Kientz Jr., beloved father and a truly good man, 84, of Wamego, Kansas, went off to new adventures on November 11th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family in Richmond, Texas.

Albert was born to parents Albert Charles Kientz Sr. and Clara Bess Kientz among the rolling flint hills and farmland of eastern Kansas where he grew up with his brother James F. Kientz on the family farm. He proudly graduated from Wamego High School in 1957 before attending Kansas State University where he ultimately received his Master's Degree in mathematics and engineering.

Al, as his friends and family called him, lived his life with good humor, honor, responsibility, bravery, moderation and temperance (well, most of the time). During his time as a Naval officer and aviator he adventured around the world and was awarded the Air Medal Strike/Flight and Navy Commendation Medals for sustained acts of heroism in combat.

After his time in the Navy, Al married his beloved Juanita and moved to New Mexico where he worked for TRAC-WSMR and won numerous accolades and awards including the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service. Al loved his wife and family and pets without reservation or judgment and served his community and country without expectation of profit or recognition. After his "retirement" he volunteered his time with the MOAA and DAV (Disabled American Veterans). He always did more than was ever asked of him and did so with grace and without complaint (well, again mostly). He was always a friend to everyone he met.

Al never stopped traveling around the world, and he never stopped learning everything he could about all things, great and small. Thus earning him the title of Master of Trivia to all who have had the joy of knowing him.

Al taught his children and grandchildren how to think, to love adventure and travel, to work wisely, to never suffer fools, to be sly, funny and ironic and to seek the sublime and embrace experience of all kinds and they have all, to a person, thrived mightily by his example.

He is survived by his daughter Heather P. Dallam, son in law Thomas Dallam, son Chris W.C. Kientz and daughter in law Elizabeth Fricke, and grandchildren Alexander and Josephine. All loved him dearly and thank him for the good he did in his life and hope they will carry on his example of how to live a good life, well and fully lived.

Al asked there be no funeral service, but that a celebration of life be held with his friends and family.