Alvin “Al” Wenner, age 95, a longtime resident of Detroit Lakes, MN, died on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at his new home in Savage, MN.

Alvin Arnold Wenner was born on October 19, 1928, in Antelope, ND.  Driven by the adverse conditions of the Dust Bowl Era, the family moved to Detroit Lakes in 1938 where they purchased a family farm. Alvin attended Holy Rosary Parochial School and Detroit Lakes High School graduating in 1947. In addition to working the family farm, he also harvested ice from Big Detroit Lake for the Burlington Northern Railroad. Alvin was drafted into the Army just five days before marrying Agnes “Babe” Uhlir, of Waubun, MN, on October 25, 1952. They honeymooned briefly in Florida before he shipped out to Korea He was stationed in Pusan, Korea, now Busan. He returned after completing two years of service and lived on the family farm just west of the city for seventy years, raising their five children. In 1959, he founded and operated Northern Lath Company in the Detroit Lakes until its sale in 1986.

Alvin was known for his bountiful work ethic, cheerful but low-key demeanor, and his never-ending willingness to help family, friends, and his community.  He was a devoted member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes and a founding member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3166 on June 27, 1948. He remained an active Knight his entire life. He was a quiet, but constant presence in so many of the Knight’s outreach efforts and activities, never wanting the spotlight, but only to be part of making a difference. And he made an immense difference to all that knew him. 

Alvin and Babe traveled extensively visiting all 50 states, many foreign countries and all seven continents. They were also known to enthusiastically and skillfully ‘cut a rug’ from time to time on the dancefloor. Alvin enjoyed farming, business operations, wood working, skiing, time in and around his pool, visiting relatives and friends, playing cards, watching the Minnesota Twins, and buying and reviving the most broken-down snowmobiles for his kids. Closest to his heart was nurturing his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, helping them grow and blossom.  

He is survived by his five children: Janet (David) Bailly of Alexandria, MN; Gary Wenner of Savage, MN; Paul (Paula) Wenner of Annandale, VA; Mary (Ron) Wenner of Lake Elmo, MN;  Charles (David) Wenner of Los Angeles, CA; eight grandchildren: Amy (Ryan) Rascop of Prior Lake, MN; Ben (Stacey) Wenner of Savage, MN; Nicole (Ben) Walker of Fargo, ND; Branden Kalstad of Alexandria, MN; Michelle (Tyler) Bredeson of Alexandria, MN; Sarah (Steve) Casperson of Prior Lake, MN; Ian Wenner of Toledo, OH; and Rachel Wenner of Richmond, VA; and seven great-grandchildren: Jack Bredeson, Sadie Casperson, Brooks Casperson, Britta Rascop, Jacob Tullis, Daisy Walker, and Henry Wenner.

He was preceded in death by his wife Agnes, daughter-in-law Judy, and his two older brothers: Donald and Warren Wenner.  

A Mass of Christian Burial, with Military Honors, will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes.  Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, March 15, 2024, at David Donehower Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 6:00pm.  Visitation will also continue at 10:00am one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. Interment will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Detroit Lakes.

David-Donehower Funeral Home is serving the family.  For more information, please visit David-Donehower.com, or call (218) 847-4147.

"In lieu of flowers or other remembrances, the family suggests that donations can be made to Holy Rosary Catholic School in Al's name."

***This funeral Mass will also be livestreamed:  Holy Rosary Catholic Church Detroit Lakes Mn YouTube Channel, it will go live 30 minutes prior to the Mass starting.

https://www.youtube.com/@holyrosarycatholicchurchde380/streams