Alfred Kuenzi passed away on February 5th, 2025.  Al was 98 years old.

Alfred George Kuenzi was Born – November 20th, 1926, to George and Emma (Kellerhals) Kuenzi. He was the oldest of 3 children. Al spent the majority of his early youth helping tend the family hop farm and driving truck with his life-long friend Dale Krug. It was on the family hop farm that he met his wife Elaine Ifft in1949 and after a short courtship they were married on November 12th, 1950, in Pontiac Illinois. Al entered military service at the time of their marriage and during this time their first son Dennis was born in Lompoc, California in 1952. Upon completing his service, Al and Elaine settled on a farm in Silverton, Oregon where they welcomed their second son Brent in 1958. In 1975 they moved to their last home on Howell Prairie Road, where they shared many happy years together.

Al had a number of jobs over the years including stints at Johnson Bros Lumber Company, Wesley Webb Construction, Pacific Access Construction, and for many years as a field mechanic for Halton Tractor out of Salem, OR. Although he was unable to attend High School, he was a gifted mechanic and could fix or build almost anything. He found his true calling in 1976 when he and long-time friend Leonard McCreary founded Kuenzi – McCreary Construction building access roads into timber sales. He was at the height of his glory working on their heavy equipment during the winter months in his well-appointed shop. Even in retirement Al enjoyed working on equipment for
his many nephews and friends. Al's life changed dramatically with the passing of Elaine in 2007, just one day prior to what would have been their 57th wedding anniversary. He was deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support he received from family and friends at that time. None more so than he received from first cousin Ray Kuenzi, Brother & Sister-in-law Carl and Jane Jensen, and the members of his church congregation. Although his advanced dementia helped soften the blow from the loss of his son Dennis in 2020, he continued to ask about him for the remainder of his life.
A devoted father and grandfather, Al took great pride in attending his son's baseball games, wrestling matches, and the many treasured memories that came from their annual deer and elk hunting trips. He cherished his role as a grandfather, creating special memories with custom-built swing sets, and sand boxes with his grandchildren who eagerly looked forward to visits with
Grandpa and Grandma Kuenzi. Al is lovingly remembered by his son Brent, daughters-in-law's Taryn and Debbie (Dennis) and grandchildren Melissa, Emily, Mallory, Nolan and Jennifer along with his many nieces and nephews who's "Uncle Al" always will be remembered for his quick wit and family stories.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elaine, son Dennis, brother John and sister Lena. Al's family deeply appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers and takes comfort in knowing that his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, February 15th followed by a reception at the Christian Apostolic Church (6494 Hazelgreen Road NE, Salem). He will be laid to rest at a private grave-side ceremony following the reception at Bethany Pioneer Cemetery.