Eric Altenburg, 95

Eric Altenburg, 95, died at Community Hospital in Monterey, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2004.

He was born at home on a ranch outside of Holt, Mont., on Nov. 30, 1909, to German parents.

Eric left home at the age of 16, jumping trains as he worked his way west. He worked at the Allan Ranch in Ripon, Calif., where he cared for the San Francisco Zoo animals.

Eric joined the U.S. Army and served two and a half tours in the Pacific. He was wounded at Biak Island in New Guinea and received the Purple Heart.

Eric then returned to Ripon and married the rancher's daughter, Thelma. They moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1945 and Eric worked for Wilson's Plumbing for 30 years.

Survivors include his grandson, Tyson Eric Altenburg, and his daughter-in-law, Lynn Altenburg, both of Pacific Grove, Calif.; his sister, Martha Holm, of Olympia, Wash.; and his brothers, Edward of Cut Bank, Arthur of Spokane, and Richard of Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Thelma, in 1995; and his son, Thomas, in 2003.

At his request no services will be held.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Paul Mortuary in Pacific Grove, Calif.