Alvin L. Schade

Alvin L. Schade, 79, of Pueblo went to be with the Lord June 8, 2015. Al was born in Florence, CO, May 16th 1936. Al was so strong in his 3 year battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents John (Thelma) Schade, Eileen Vendetti and Father and Mother-in-law Manuel and Ollie Bender. Al is survived by his loving wife for over 50 years Leta Bender-Schade and children Chris (Christiann) Schade and Vicky Wright. Brother and sisters Dick (Myrle) Schade, Randy (Jane) Schade, Ed Morlan, Joe (Lori) Vendetti, Linda (Ralph) Di Prince, Janice (Massoud) Forgani, Sharon (Tony) Lauriski, Betty Jo (Paul) Chacon. Brother-in-law’s Alvin (Mary) Bender, Norton (Barbara) Bender. Grandchildren Nathan (Michelle) Schade, Jason (Joshlin) Schade, Greg Bailey, Tiffany (Steve) Ankrom, Justin (Veronica) Fair. Great-grandchildren Alexis Bailey, Kain and Colton Ankrom, Samara, Samuel and Davina Fair, Noah Hardy and many nieces and nephews, extended family and special friends. Al’s special niece LaDonna (Payden) Morlan was his special angel who touched his life in many ways. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Dr. Thomas Gaide, Rachel and staff and the Life Care Nursing Center and staff. In the months Al spent at the nursing home, many of the staff was touched by Al and the Alpaca, Dioge, that came to visit.

Al learned at an early age to be a hard worker and survivor. At the age of 8 he hustled work throughout the town of Florence selling popcorn, setting bowling pins and shining shoes in order to help out his family. Then at the age of 13 he was running a herd of dairy cows for a sick friend.

Al and his best friend for life, Dean Helton, both attended Florence High School and from there went to work for Mountain Bell Telephone. Al worked various positions for the phone company for 30 years, retiring in 1985. His last duties were supervising a staff who studied equipment usage for growth in many switching stations throughout Southern Colorado. Al was co-owner of C Squared Alpaca Ranch in Black Forest, CO where he ranched over 75 prize winning Alpacas.

Al was an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. His prize trophy mount was his 400 lb. black bear which he kept in the corner of his living room.

He and Leta touched many lives during their RV years serving as campground host at a Valecito Lake resort. Al and Leta were members of a “6 pack” Travel Group making a couple memorable trips to Canada. They also spent several winters “Snow Birding” in AZ, enjoyed several cruises and a Copper Canyon piggyback rail RV trip thru Mexico. Al was an avid wood and machine craftsman and loved to work in his work shop making or carving items for his friends and family. Al was a very cheerful, caring, giving man who always helped anyone in need. His pride and joy was his 1948 Willis Jeep that he restored as a “grocery buggy” for Leta.

Al is a member of the Pueblo Elks Lodge #90, National Woodcarvers Association, Southern Colorado Woodcarvers. He attended Wesley United Methodist Church. Viewing will occur at Imperial Gardens on Friday, June 12, 2015 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Services will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 2:00pm at Wesley United Methodist Church 85 Stanford (closed casket), Interment, Imperial Gardens with a special tribute presented by the Elks lodge #90. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made on Al’s behalf to Wesley United Methodist Church.