Allen (Al) Horwedel, a loving husband, awesome dad, silly grandfather, and amazing friend, passed away in the comfort of his home, with family, after a short illness on June 20th, 2023. He was 92. Al’s smile and his ability to chat with anyone gave joy to all that knew him.
Al was born May 1, 1931, in Avon Lake, Ohio. He graduated from High School in 1950 and entered the United States Air Force in 1951. In 1958, Al met the love of his life, Norma, in Washington DC, and soon married her in Pennsylvania. Together, they raised four beautiful children Joe (wife Linda), Joe passed away in 2016, George (wife Donna), Jaci (husband John) Parsons, and John. Al was blessed with five grandkids, and two great-grandchildren.
Al started out his Air Force career flying on C-135 as a “Hot Cupper” or “Inflight Steward”. He was promoted to a “Loadmaster” where he logged over 18,000 flight hours on C-141 and C-5 aircraft. Al served his country honorably for 23 years in the USAF and retired as a Master Sergeant in 1973. His love of travel started as he was stationed all over the world: Greenland, Andrews AFB, Korea, McGuire AFB NJ, Charleston AFB SC, and Travis AFB CA.
After his retirement from the Air Force, Al worked for the City of Vacaville as a water treatment operator and retired a second time after 22 years. He was an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 91, had two son's that became eagle scouts and hiked Mt Shasta in one memorable hike. He also took his daughter all over town selling Girl Scout cookies door to door for a decade.
Al was very active in his church throughout his life. At the Vacaville Catholic churches, he was a Eucharistic Minister for 21 years, and very active with the Knights of Columbus.
Al was a proud member of the Professional Loadmaster Association (PLA), and volunteered or participated in nearly every event, without hesitation. Al was an icon and legend in the Vacaville American Cancer Society’s “Relay for Life” and known as the “King of the Relay”. For over 20 years, Al went door-to-door asking for donations and raised over $200,000 for the PLA Relay Team.
His friends, family, and people that knew him over his 92 years will miss Al’s warm personality, happy disposition, steadfast loyalty, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Allen will be laid to rest at the Sacramento Valley National Military Cemetery in Dixon, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do what Al would do and donate to your favorite local “cause” (aka your favorite local non-profit).
Viewing will be at McCune Garden Chapel on July 3, 5pm to 8pm, with a rosary at 6p. Mass will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church on July 5th at 9:30am. Graveside service will follow at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life in Al's honor will be July 5th in St Joseph's gym, starting about noon.
