Alvin Amundsen

Age 87 of Kalamazoo, Michigan passed away on June 1, 2013. Born September 12, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois to Gertrude and Thorvald Amundsen, who had emigrated from Norway. At first he only spoke Norwegian until age 5, and then he learned English in Kindergarten. Al grew up in Chicago, Illinois and attended Foreman high school and then the University of Illinois, where he majored in Economics. He played football for the University of Illinois in 1943. He served as a paratrooper in the Army during WWII and served in Europe during the war. When he came back to Chicago he was called to serve during the Korean War as an officer in the Air Force. Al married Elaine Thompson (deceased) in Chicago. Al and Elaine moved to Kalamazoo in 1956. He worked for Bliss & Laughlin for over 40 years as a Steel representative. Al married Marilyn Monnier in 1997 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Elaine Thompson. He is survived by his second wife Marilyn Amundsen, daughters; Carol Lane (Dan) of Longview, Washington, Joanne Amundsen-Huber (Michael) of Santee, California; Jennifer Amundsen of Kalamazoo, Michigan, and grandchildren; David Huber, Bill & Ted Amundsen; brother Gordon Amundsen of Ft. Myers, Florida. Al was a man of compassion and faith that loved his family and touched the lives of many. He brought a smile, his faith and optimistic view of life to all of his loved ones. He will be missed greatly by his family and friends. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at 12:00 PM on June 8th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 3000 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI 49006.