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Al Thuesen Obituary
August 5, 1940 - October 24, 2014
Passed away peacefully at his home in Lincoln Hills, CA, surrounded by his loving family. AI, a very proud 4th generation San Franciscan, was a retired Battalion Chief of the S.F.F.D. He was born to Geraldine and Albert Thuesen Sr., on August 5, 1940. He leaves behind his loving wife of 25 years, Jennifer; his devoted children Jackie Lyons (Jerry), Jennie Machado (Sean) and Albert, III (Kelly); his cherished grandchildren, Kelly, Braden, Molly, Emma, and Billy; and siblings Lourdes Mary Thuesen, Andi Ibarra, Jim Thuesen (JoDee) and Cele Gutierrez.Born in St. Joseph's Hospital, SF, Al was a proud alumnus of St Cecilia's grammar school, St Ignatius and Abraham Lincoln High (class of 1957), as well as San Francisco City College. He served in the United States Coast Guard from 1958 to 1962. In 1963, he began his firefighting career with the Daly City Fire Department as a volunteer, before hiring on fulltime. In 1969 he took the test for the San Francisco fire department, graduating from the S.F.F.D. Academy from which he went on to a long and decorated career, including notably serving as public information officer during the Loma Prieta Earthquake response. While living in Sonoma from 1989 to 2001, he was elected to and served on the Valley of the Moon Fire Board. Retiring from S.F.F.D. in 1998, during his four decades of public service, he made innumerable life-long friends.
Throughout his life, he most enjoyed spending time and traveling with his best friend and wife, Jennifer; hosting friends and neighbors; playing golf with his buddies; skiing in Tahoe; coaching his son's teams; cooking for his family and firehouses; and hanging out with his kids as well as darling grandchildren. He was a longtime 49er season ticket holder, dating back to Kezar, attending three victorious Super Bowls. As a dedicated Giants fan, he was very pleased they again made it to the 2014 World Series. He was a member of the Elks Club of San Mateo, B.P.O.E.. He traveled many miles to watch his grandchildren play their sports or perform in theatre: he was the beaming grandfather at every event. Affectionately known as "Big Al" or "Bigfoot", he was a giant of a friend, father, husband, personality, heart, and man. He will be missed by several generations of friends and family.
The family would like to sincerely thank the kind members of the medical community of Sutter Health, Roseville, most notably Dr. Uma Gowda, who cared for Al over the past seven years of his courageous fight. Services will be held November 12 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Lincoln, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any and all donations be made to the San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation (www.sffcpf.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Al Thuesen
November 11, 2014
Great times with a great friend at Station 9. So very sorry for your loss. Lt. Gary Lindley (retired) and Gail.
Kathy Luhrs
November 11, 2014
Al was a good man, great father and firefighter and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed especially by Jen an his kids Jackie, Jennie &
Larry. My condolences to the family
Diane Galliani
November 11, 2014
My very cool cousin, Al (or Larry to me). You can be very proud of how you lived your life. All you have to do is look at all the people that you made happy. I'm certainly one of them. Thanks for always calling me Fav. I will always miss you.
Tom and Mary OMalley
November 10, 2014
RIP my friend. Condolences to Jennifer and entire family. Will always remember the fun and happy times. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
John A. Murphy
November 9, 2014
Al was one of the very best. I worked with hime at E25 (The Junkyard Dogs). We had some good laughter with Al around.
Bob & Sharon Turner
November 7, 2014
Al was a good neighbor and dear friend. I always enjoyed discussing sports with Al, as we were both Giant's and 49er fans. We will cherish the wonderful memories and miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Tony Serpa
November 7, 2014
I was very fortunate to have Al as a boss. Very competent and a great guy.
I am sure his legacy will live on through his family.
Harry Brophy
November 6, 2014
Always a pleasure to be with Al. So many great memories, God,s Speed AL.
November 6, 2014
Nice to have crossed paths... Whatta party he must be having with the guys.... Save a space for me.
gd class of 69
gg
November 6, 2014
Nice to have crossed paths with al...whatta party he must be having with the guys... Save a space for me...
gd class of 69
Jack Sherratt (RET. 1984 SFFD
November 6, 2014
Al Thuesen, an outstanding Firefighter, a man you would hope would show up with the firefighting crew if you had a fire in your home - a total gentleman with a great sense of humor, and highly intelligent! May the Good Lord Bless His Soul!
Gary & Rebecca Curto (Truck 12 retired)
November 6, 2014
An unforgettable guy with a great sense of humor. We spent much time on the golf course together from our days in Daly City till neither one of us could play any more. Our sympathy to Jen and family for your loss. Rest in peace, Foot, and thanks for the memories.
Jennie Thuesen Machado
November 4, 2014
Hi Dad, although you were so much to so many people in this world, you were the MOST to Jackie, Larry and I, your grandchildren, your siblings and best friend to Jennifer. The memories I have to hold on to and cherish will warm my heart until I see you again in Heaven. Thank you for making me the person that I am and for all of the family times we had together. You have been my hero and my rock so many times. I'm thankful you are now at peace. Please continue to keep watch over me from above. I love you Dad((HUGS)) Jennie
Barbara Luhrs
November 3, 2014
WE LOVE AND MISS YOU SEMI-POP. THE HEAVENS ARE BLESSED!
November 3, 2014
P.S. That should read Pat Haney.
Jennifer is a beautiful person and God Bless her.
November 3, 2014
My family and I will miss Uncle Al and have many fond memories of him. RIP dear Al. We will love you always.
Pat Heney
Jake Ibarra
November 3, 2014
With great sadness we say goodbye to Uncle Al. Aunt Jen, Jackie, Jennie, LT and families may his memories comfort you and know he is always with you and lives on in each of you and his grandchildren. Love, Jeff, Jake, Alex, Chiara, Amber and Wyatt
Russ Edwards
November 3, 2014
Al and I have been friends for many years. We both were at Station #2 together and played that game golf. My thoughts and prayers go to Jennifer and the children.
November 2, 2014
Big Al and Bumper together forever raising a glass or two toasting, good times, loving family, possibly a Giants or 49er win. Heaven is a happening place with those two on the "watch!" Peace to you all.
November 2, 2014
There are no words now. Peace forever
Cathy Hernandez
November 2, 2014
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Thuesen Family. Such a loss of such a wonderful man. May all of your beautiful memories of him bring you peace in the days ahead.
Jerry Sheppard
November 1, 2014
Big Al As a member of the Valkey of the Moon Fire District employee Fire Captain it was a pleasure to have you as aboard member representing me.
Rest in peace.
Jerry and Elaine Sheppard
eilern helbig
November 1, 2014
Sending prayers to the Thusen family
You were blessed with a wonderful father he will stay with you forever
Mike Menefee (Engine 2, retired)
November 1, 2014
You'll not be forgotten, Chief. Thank you…for everything.
November 1, 2014
Rest in Peace Al
Lucha
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