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Alfred Elder Obituary
PEORIA - Alfred Lee "Al" Elder, 79, of Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 26, 2010, at Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria.
He was born in Farmington, Iowa, on Dec. 24, 1931, to Cecil E. and Lillian Grinstead Elder.
After Alfred and his brother, Donald, became adults they moved to Peoria, Ill., where he married Roberta Jane "Bobbie" Kemmer on Jan. 28, 1967. They were married for 43 years, and Bobbie survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Amy L. (Carl R.) Bleichner of Peoria; three grandchildren, Courtney, Ciara and Treaver Bleichner; and one nephew, Timothy L. Elder of Dunlap.
Al was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Donald.
He worked in material control department at Caterpillar in Mossville and retired after 30 years of service. He was also a volunteer fireman while employed at Caterpillar.
Al was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, where he helped with the food pantry and certain handyman jobs until his health declined.
Al was a 1950 graduate of Milton High School in Milton, Iowa.
He also previously served as president of the St. Mary's Cathedral Booster Club.
Al helped spread Christmas joy to family and friends by dressing as Santa for over 30 years.
Al will be cremated and a memorial Mass will be held in his honor at OSF St. Francis Hospital Chapel at a later date with the Rev. Michael Driscoll officiating. Wright and Salmon Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria.
Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www. wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Elder
Virginia and Danny Robison
January 9, 2011
Bobbie and Amy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Alfred was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He was a favorite here in Milton and we missed him after he moved to Peoria.
May God Bless you and yours.
Carol Otten
January 5, 2011
Dear Bobbie, Amy and family,
We have been neighbors for more than 36 years and we feel like a family member passed away. Al was very kind and always helpful. We love your family dearly and are very sorry for your grief. Al will be missed but forever thought of fondly. God bless you and God rest Al in His arms now.
Our love,
Wayne & Carol Otten
Greg Waibel
January 5, 2011
Been missing Uncle Al for some time now. He was a great uncle and the Best Santa Ever!
Thinking of you
Greg and Laurie
Bobbie Parkhill
December 31, 2010
Amy, so sorry to read of your dad's passing. I'll never forget the year he played Santa for the luncheon we had for the managers at Great Central. I hope each day gets easier. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Tammy Swanson
December 29, 2010
Aunt Bob and Amy,
I'm sorry to hear about Uncle Al. Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love yas,
Tammy
Tom Mead
December 29, 2010
Tim,
Sorry to hear about your Uncle.
Ms. Ray V. Reddick
December 28, 2010
Bobbie, Amy and Elder family...
Al's passing was sad news to me. He is gone but not forgotten! We may have gotten off to a rough start, but we ended up best friends and neighbors.
Al will always be a great loss to our entire neighborhood. He got things changed for the better within our community by being active with the northside neighborhood council when others were sometimes afraid to speak up for what was right. We missed him when he became ill. I'm so glad I knew him and he was my father's good friend, too.
You will all be in my thoughts and prayers, and remember, I'm just a door away.
In sympathy and friendship,
The Prunty Family
December 28, 2010
We are very sorry to hear of your loss,we were neighbors on Monroe St for years.
Jody Smith
December 28, 2010
Aunt Bobbie and Amy Lynn,
Wishing you both strength and peace in the days ahead. Jody
December 28, 2010
Aunt Bob and cousin Amy,
Just heard Monday about Uncle Al Know that you are in Rhonda and my thoughts and prayers.Kirk
Heather M
December 28, 2010
Courtney,
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Heather M
December 28, 2010
Courtney,
i am very sorry to hear of your grandfathers passing. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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