- Date Of Birth: February 7, 1926
- Date Of Death: January 2, 2021
- State: Illinois
Albert “Al” Hufford, age 94, formerly of the Rock City, passed away on January 2, 2021 at FHN Memorial Hospital.
In his own words, he wrote: ”What a nice life I’ve had. Born in Rock City to wonderful parents, Edward F. Hufford and Grace (Nott) Zimmerman on February 7, 1926. Then, I worked, and raised some hell and proudly served 2 years in the Army in the Field Artillery from 1944-1946. When I went back to home base, I met a lovely girl (Loretta) and got married on May 3, 1947 in Redwood City, CA. We then went onto celebrate 71 years together.
She gave us two lovely girls, Jody and Laura. Then we had four grandchildren, Kim, Jami, Angie and Stacey. Then we accumulated 4 great grandchildren. We were all put on Earth to care of one another. I very much enjoyed helping people with their troubles. Thank you, God for letting and helping me do this. God Bless you all – so long” – Al
Al did many things in life, including owning and operating the East Side Saw Sharpening shop retiring in April of 2001. He was also one of the caretakers for the Rock City Cemetery. While in the service he earned a victory medal in the European African Middle Eastern Theater, the Army of Occupation Medal and a good conduct medal. He never met a stranger.
Al is survived by his 2 daughters, Jody (Ron) Spelman and Laura (Craig) Horstmeier, both of Davis. His 4 grandchildren, Kimberly (Michael) Blair and Jami Spelman of Freeport; Angie (Bill) Doane of Sabula, IA and Stacey Horstmeier of Rochelle, IL. His legacy of 4 great grandchildren include Makenna and Mason Blair of Freeport; Willow and Xan Doane of Sabula, IA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother (Hallie McIntosh/Hufford); his sister and brother-in-law, Norma (James) Gentz; his half -brother, Harold Nott; half- sisters, Marjorie Nelson, Georgia Rockey, Evelyn Deneen, Dorothy Quass, infant daughter, Bonnie and 2 granddaughters, Kathleen and Tina Spelman.
