Alvin R. WOHL

WOHL, Alvin R.
Prominent Sacramento trial attorney, devoted husband, incredible father and grandfather, passed away of complications from Parkinson's disease on December 2, 2013 at the age of 82.

Alvin was born on February 5, 1931, in Linton, North Dakota, to Fred and Katharina Wohl and was the sixth of seven children. Alvin, known to friends as Al or 'Big Al,' graduated from the University of the Pacific in Stockton and then earned his law degree from the University of California Hastings College of the Law. Al loved being a trial attorney and the courtroom was his home. As the founding and senior partner of the law firm Wohl, Cinnamon and Hagedorn, Al was an old school lawyer that believed in hard work, civility and respect. His word was absolutely his bond. Al's commitment to being the best lawyer possible earned him the respect of his colleagues, judges and his clients. Al practiced law for more than 45 years and completed more than 100 trials including one of the largest lost profit jury verdicts in Sacramento County, a landmark case against the Commissioner of the IRS, and he was lead counsel in a unanimous decision from the California Supreme Court in an insurance case. In 2011, Al retired as 'Of Counsel' to the law firm of Palmer Kazanjian Wohl Hodson LLP.

Al was a diehard 49er fan and season ticket holder dating back to the days of Kezar Stadium. In 1982, Al and son Christopher went to Detroit to see the 49ers play in Super Bowl XVI, a trip Al cherished and talked about every football season. Al had a spirit that made a room glow. He was a loving father and doting grandfather, never missing his grandson Jackson's baseball games and he loved spending time with his granddaughters Kaitlyn and Molly. Al was never one to complain or have anyone worry about him, he wanted to make sure everyone else around him was happy and having a good time. Al loved telling jokes and stories, even if you heard them before, which just made him laugh harder. Al was a longtime Sutter Club member and for many years he enjoyed playing golf, cards and dice with his good friends at Northridge Country Club-legend has it that Big Al put his children through college with his liar's dice winnings. He was one of kind and will be missed as much as he was loved.

Al is survived by his loving and devoted wife Sonja, his children Jan, Sanna (Ron Duchene), Christopher, and Katharina, his three adored grandchildren Molly Duchene, Jackson Wohl, and Kaitlyn Wohl, his sister Annette Faszer and many nieces and nephews. Al was passionate about his family and also enjoyed spending time with his many friends. Al and Sonja's home was the central gathering place for many happy events and countless Sundays to watch his beloved 49ers.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2013, at the Greenhaven Lutheran Church, 475 Florin Road, Sacramento, California. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Chevo Foundation or to a charity of your choice.