Alfred Earl Shaulis

Alfred Earl Shaulis of Blaine, WA, a highly decorated veteran of the Berlin Airlift, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, passed away peacefully from natural causes on September 16th, 2025, at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, WA, at the age of 95. Alfred was born to Emery Earl Shaulis and Edwina Allegra Faust Shaulis on June 6, 1930, in Stahlstown, PA. Alfred was the oldest of five siblings. They lived a poor, hillbilly lifestyle in Pennsylvania. What they did not have in money, they had in family love. This is where Alfred's love and strong loyalty to family began and remained forever. In 1947, Alfred enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force. He proudly and honorably served 22 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant on July 31, 1969. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Alfred worked as a bartender at the Past Time Tavern in Blaine, WA. That experience led him to partner with Dolph Hill, and they opened Bill's Tavern in Blaine, WA. After selling the tavern, Alfred attended Bellingham Vo-Tech and used his GI Bill to complete the Appliance Repair Program. After completing this program, he opened Al's Appliance Repair in Blaine, where he worked on appliances and helped many customers in Blaine, Birch Bay, and the surrounding communities. Alfred "officially" retired in 2016 at the age of 86. Alfred continued to receive calls and requests for help for many years after his retirement. Alfred was an active volunteer for many organizations and was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he held different positions, including Commander and Chaplain. Alfred had many hobbies and passions that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His interests included coin collecting, hunting, fishing, gardening, and watching sports. He was always torn when the Steelers played the Seahawks and was a staunch Seattle Mariners fan. He loved to tell stories, and everyone loved to listen to him. He enjoyed watching hummingbirds outside his window and never met a pie, snickerdoodle, or shaker of salt he didn't like. Along with his pride for the USA, his honesty, loyalty, and work ethic, Alfred was known for his big smile, hearty laugh, and his big, strong, giant bear hugs. Alfred is survived by his five children: Denise Lutes of St. Charles, MO; Donda Peterson of Marysville, WA; Tamera (Mike) Giovanni of Olympia, WA; Brenda (Rick) Sturrock of Blaine, WA; MSGT (RET) Bradley Earl (Janet) Shaulis of Great Falls, MT; nine grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister Shirley Natale of Weddington, NC; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends. Alfred was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Helena (Terry), who passed on the same exact date 17 years prior. Also passing before him were his parents; sisters Loretta Barnes, Shirlene Vaslavsky, Charlotte Fadorsen; brother Everette Shaulis; son-in-law Marvin Lutes; son-in-law Calvin Beyerlin; and grandson Benjamin Earl Shaulis. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4th, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G St., Blaine, WA. Alfred will be interred at Green Acres in Ferndale, WA, at a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, Alfred wished for memorial donations to be made to his local VFW Post #9474 in Custer, WA, which helps and supports veterans of the Foreign Wars. VFW, P.O. Box 405, Custer, WA 98240.