Obituary of Albert Joseph Kudrna

Albert Joseph Kudrna Albert Joseph Kudrna passed away with family at his side on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at The Hampton Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Tumwater, Washington, where he resided. Al was born in Dickinson, North Dakota, on November 14, 1922 to Anton Joseph and Justina Pavlicek Kudrna. A second generation American, he was the oldest of five children. Al often shared stories of life on the family farm near Killdeer, North Dakota and how, as the oldest son, he helped his dad with all the outdoor chores. Growing up, Czech was spoken at home so he learned English when he went to school. He lived on the farm until his teen years, when it was necessary to room with a family in town in order to attend high school. As a young adult during the Great Depression, Al worked in the CCC in South Dakota, Idaho and Montana. World War II inspired him to enlist in the Army where he did Basic Training in Missouri and helped the war effort by working in the Pentagon as a Communication Specialist in the Signal Corps. After the war, Al’s father introduced him to Norma Belle Stroh. They married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson, North Dakota, on August 27, 1947. As a child, Al visited the Pacific Northwest and knew he would one day return, so on their honeymoon he brought his bride to Olympia, Washington. Before completing their first year as husband and wife, Al and Norma moved into the house in Lacey they shared for over 61 years and where they raised six children. For about the first 20 of those years, they worked a small family farm on their property where he was a master gardener. Additionally, Al supported his family as a postal worker at the Olympia Post Office from which he retired after more than 30 years of service. Al was a member of the Holy Names Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lacey, where he and Norma worshiped for over 60 years. In partnership with Norma, Al nurtured the Catholic faith in their children. Following Al’s retirement, he and Norma enjoyed over 25 years of good health while traveling and spending time with family and friends. In 2008, The Hampton became their home. Al will be lovingly remembered for many things: his devotion to Norma; his Czech heritage and traditions; his love of telling a good joke, however badly; being a generous and creative host; making his grandchildren laugh with his quirky ways; his love of the outdoors, especially fishing; his joy of reading and playing cards; his daily popcorn habit; his amazing skill of “fashioning” things; making lots of wood; and most of all, for being a fair and loving father. Al died 29 days after the death of his beloved wife, Norma. An infant daughter, Frances, his parents and sisters Lillian and Edith also preceded him in death. He is survived by his children James (Kathy Sue), Marilyn (Rick) Harris, Kathleen (Cey) Turkell, Anita (Gary) Goin, David (Teresa) and Paul (Christina), sister Clara and brother Robert, 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family wishes to extend to the entire staff at The Hampton Alzheimer’s Special Care Center our deep appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful, loving, and professional care that Al and Norma were given. Their exceptional care of our parents for the past three years was a gift we will cherish always. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2011 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 812 Bowker Street, Lacey, Washington, with a reception to follow. A private family committal service will take place at Calvary Cemetery, Tumwater, Washington, later in the day. At the family’s request, donations in Al’s memory may be made to the Resident Fund of The Hampton Alzheimer’s Special Care Center, 1400 Trosper Road SW, Tumwater, WA 98512. To leave memories of Al or condolences for his family, please click on "View Guestbook" below.