Alvin "Al" A. Schwegel

Alvin “Al” A. Schwegel, 68, of Watkins, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at M Health Fairview Hospital in Minneapolis, MN.

A time for visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Ertl Funeral Home, as well as one hour prior to the service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Church of St. Anthony with Father Michael Doyle officiating. Interment will follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery.

Al was born on June 21, 1955, in St. Cloud, MN, to Eugene and Olivia (Ressemann) Schwegel, one of twelve children. He graduated from Casselton High School in Casselton, ND, and then began his over forty-year-long career as a truck driver. On November 30, 1974, he was wed to Donna Meyer in West Fargo, and the couple welcomed three daughters: Sandra, Jessica, and Lisa. After divorcing, he would meet Leah Meierhofer, and on December 27, 1993, they were united in marriage. The two would welcome two children, Matthew and Cindy.

Al was known for his love of turning wrenches and driving truck. He enjoyed taking his kids hunting and fishing in their early years, and was a former member of the Watkins Lions Club. Al’s children and grandchildren were a huge part of his life, and he enjoyed spending quality time with them. He was always happy, laid back, and could see the positive side to any situation. Al was a man you could turn to any time you needed help or advice, often showing up to help, even if it wasn’t asked for.  

Surviving Al is his wife, Leah; his children: Sandra Smith, Jessica Schwegel, Lisa Schwegel,  Rebecca Silbernagel, and their families; Matthew (Kenadie) Meierhofer, and Cindy (Kyle) Gratke; his grandchildren: Matthew Jr., Khylee, Zaelyn, Skarlet, Paisley, Lorelai, Brantley, Leighton, and Kayden; his sisters: Pauline Stein, Betty (Lenny) Walz, and Veronica Gill; his brothers: John (Marilyn), Joe, and Charlie Schwegel; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his brother, Gene Schwegel; and his sisters: Jeanette Schwegel, Esther Langner, Susan Boisjolie, and Helen Williams.