PIERRE, SD – For 92 ½ years, this Earth was blessed with the presence of a true hero. On December 29th, 2023 Al(vin) Kundert of Pierre, SD passed away in the loving arms of Bev Krietlow, his partner of 22 years. His daughters, Debbie and Cindy and son-in-law, Doug were close by. Family will greet visitors from 10:00-11:00am, Monday, May 27, 2024 at Pierre First United Methodist Church will a Memorial Celebration of Al’s life beginning at 11:00am. Following a time of lunch and fellowship, inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery.

Anxiously awaiting his arrival in Heaven are those who passed before him; his parents Albert and Katherine, his three sisters, Tillie, Ella and Clara and Bev Kundert, his wife of 44 years.

Adored and loved by Grandchildren Chris (Inga), Stacey (Tim) and Lindsay, he is also survived by great grandchildren Jayden, Avery, Riley, Aubree, Kenzie, Cole and Lucy. Al is also loved and survived by Bev’s children Kurt (Tanya) and Kara (Steve) and grandchildren Molly, Dalton, Graham and Mazie.

Alvin Kundert was born in Campbell County, SD on May 22nd, 1931 to Katherine and Albert Kundert, joining three older sisters. He attended all 12 years of school in Bowdle, SD, graduating in 1949 as Valedictorian of his class. Al was active in choir, plays, band and basketball. As a sophomore in high school, Al began his long career in grocery retail at the local RedOwl Grocery Store. His love of people and retail served him well as a retail store manager through 50 years; first, managing stores for Red Owl in Hot Springs, SD, Sioux City, IA, Austin, MN and finally Pierre, SD. Al purchased and managed the DakotaMart in Pierre until selling the store in 1999, consulting for 3 more years and then begrudgingly retiring in 2002 (he would have worked forever!).

Al was a Korean War Army Veteran who served for two years. An avid golfer, he was involved in The Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, Retail Committee, United Way, Rotary, Ballroom Swisher’s and Yacht Club. He was an active member in the Pierre community and a devout Christian as a member of the Pierre First United Methodist Church.

Traveling with Bev was a favorite activity of his and a cherished family vacation in Florida last December (2022) will provide special memories to carry us through this difficult time. An unfortunate fall back at home on New Year’s Eve morning, 2022 led to failing health the majority of 2023 and contributed to his passing.

The sorrow will be short lived as it is replaced with the laughter and memories of a great man who lived a full life and was hero to so many.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rotary and Pierre First United Methodist Church.

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