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Published March 30, 2012, 12:00 AM

Albin Hartung, 86

Albin “Al” Charles Hartung, 86, Alexandria, died at his home on Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Albin “Al” Charles Hartung, 86, Alexandria, died at his home on Saturday, March 24, 2012.

Al was born to Susan Marx and John Hartung on July 20, 1925 in a farmhouse in St. Wendel. He was baptized into the Catholic faith one week later.

Albin lived on the farm with his parents until the age of 6, when they moved to St. Cloud. There he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through the ninth grade. On February 22, 1928, his sister, Vivian Elizabeth Hartung, was born to the family. She resides in Maplewood.

Albin started with the auto parts industry for William’s Hardware in St. Cloud on September 14, 1942 while still in high school. He graduated from the St. Cloud Technical High School in June of 1943 and moved to Alexandria on December 18, 1946 to continue his career as manager of Oman Supply Company. He worked there until it was sold in 1974. He continued with National Bushing and remained with the company until his retirement on October 31, 1991, after 49 years in the auto parts industry.

Albin married Evelyn Hazel Schwandt of Paynesville on October 9, 1945. They were blessed with four daughters, Beverly Ann, Donna Marie, Mari Louise and Patricia Kay; eight grandchildren, Jamie, Tony, Katie, Adam, Kierre, Alexander, John Ryan and Ari; and three great-granddaughters, Hannah, Addison and Ella. Albin adored his beloved wife, Evelyn, for 66 years and loved spending time with his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Albin was a true horseman and purchased a hobby farm near Alexandria in 1963. He called it his “sanctuary.” He enjoyed working in the barn and tending to his horses, Abijo, Rascals, Cassey, Robbi Jo and Daisy. In his lifetime, he owned more than 30 horses. He enjoyed riding horses, working in his garden and telling stories. One of his fondest memories was riding his horse in the 50-mile endurance race in Huntersville.

Albin was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church since 1947, Knights of Columbus Third and Fourth Degree, The Lions Club since 1962, The Elks Club for 48 years, on the American Horse Association for more than 30 years, took part in the Alexandria Horseman’s Holiday, on the Alexandria Museum Board for 18 years, and on the Board of Directors for the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce for six years. He was most proud of being co-chair of the building committee for the new St. Mary’s Church.

Faith, family and hard work were cherished parts of Albin’s life. He lived life to the fullest and with great integrity, honesty and compassion.

His parents, John and Susan, and his youngest daughter, Patricia Kay Nelson of Willmar, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; his daughters, Beverly (Rick) Linnes of Mankato, Donna Affeldt (Cliff Zins) of Alexandria, Mari (Bill) Leuthner of Alexandria, and son-in-law, John Nelson of Willmar; his grandchildren, Jamie Affeldt, Tony (Erika) Linnes, Kate (Ryan) Howe, Adam Affeldt, Dr. Kierre (Jonathan) Hedberg, Alexander Leuthner, John Ryan Nelson, and Ari Leuthner; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Ella Linnes, and Addison Howe.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, March 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Steve Binsfeld officiating. Entombment was at St. Mary’s Mausoleum. Casket bearers were Jamie Affeldt, Tony Linnes, Katie Howe, Adam Affeldt, Kierre Hedberg, Alexander Leuthner, John Ryan Nelson and Ari Leuthner.

Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.

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