Alvin M. 'Al' Getzlaff, 69

Alvin M. "Al" Getzlaff, 69, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009, at his home in Whitefish. Al was born on Sept. 28, 1939, in Bottineau, N.D., to Walter and Lillian Getzlaff.

He served in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, Calif. After being discharged, he moved to Montana, where he worked for Mtn. Manufacturing, CFAC, and then 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, Walter and Lillian Getzlaff; brother, Darwin Getzlaff; sister, Gloria Daley; daughter, Penny Getzlaff; and a 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, Elias Bacon, and Kylie and Devyn Rocker; and seven great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Al's life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, 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.

You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to sign his book or leave a message for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.