lvin Getzlaff

Alvin M. (Al) Getzlaff, 69, passed away Feb. 7, 2009, at his home in Whitefish.

Al was born Sept 28, 1939, in Bottineau, N.D., to Walter and Lillian Getzlaff.

He served in the Army at Fort Ord, Calif. After being discharged, he moved to Montana, where he worked for Mountain Manufacturing and Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. before opening his own business, Northern Recovery.

He enjoyed the outdoors, working in his yard, hunting, fishing, traveling and just spending time with his family. He was a fun-loving husband, dad and grandpa who was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed him. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; brother Darwin Getzlaff; sister Gloria Daley; daughter Penny Getzlaff; and son Johnny Gochanour.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jean Getzlaff; brothers Virgil, Norman, Darrel and Sonny; sisters Cora, Marilyn, Tootie and Marlys; sons Kenny and Steven Gochanour; daughters Belinda Bacon, Patti Gochanour, Lorinda Walter and Jeannie Alt; grandchildren Mike McPhee, Marc Hoerner, Cody, Robbie and Keyvin Walter, Billie and Kaylin Gochanour, and Elias Bacon and Kylie and Devyn Rocker; and seven great grandchildren.

A celebration of Al’s life was held Feb. 14, 2009, at the Christian Center Assembly of God Church, in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Al’s name to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop Suite 100 Kalispell MT 59901 or North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.