Alvin Otto Schuette, 100, a U.S Air Force veteran, went home to be with the Lord on February 5, 2024 at Brookdale Mariana Butte Memory Care in Loveland, Colorado.

Alvin (Al) Schuette was born July 30, 1923 in Cape Girardeau, MO to John W. and Alma D. (Reineke) Schuette. He grew up in Missouri and Alma, KS where he graduated from high school. Alvin married his wife Dorothy (Neil) on April 21, 1951. They raised two daughters in Springfield, IL and were married for nearly 58 years when Dorothy passed away in 2009. He then moved near his daughter Linda in Tallmadge, OH from 2011-21 and since then has lived near his daughter Patty in Loveland, CO at Good Samaritan Society – Loveland Village then finally at Brookdale Mariana Butte Memory Care.

Alvin served in the US Air Force for his career including service from 1943-45 in World War II. He was in combat duty from May – October, 1944 as a ball turret gunner in the 5th Air Force 463rd B-17 Bomber Group, 775th Squadron flying 50 missions over Europe from Foggia, Italy. He received various awards and medals with his group for their service to our country.

After WWII Alvin was a carpenter in Topeka, KS, Casper, WY and also Okinawa. Eventually he re-enlisted in the Air Force and the Illinois Air National Guard 183d Wing in Springfield, IL. He served a total of 36 years as an aircraft engine mechanic, writer, and instructor retiring in 1983 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

Al was a skilled "finish" carpenter who volunteered his talents to churches, individuals and the Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission. Al was a successful hunter, fisherman, vegetable gardener, and an excellent story teller. Church goers remember his fish fries and his love of young children. He was an active church member in various churches: Wesley Methodist, Faith Bible Church (formerly Christian Bible Church), and Southern View Chapel in Springfield, IL as well as the Alliance Church and Faith Bible Fellowship in Tallmadge, OH. Most recently he attended Good Samaritan Society Chapel in Loveland, CO.

Alvin is survived by two daughters: Linda (Ronald) McElrath of Tallmadge, OH and Patricia (Philip) McGarvey of Loveland, CO; along with five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy; his brothers: Henry, Emil, Roy, and Clarence Schuette; and his sisters: Emma Smith, Dora Halderman, and Alvina Eggleston Garcia.

A service celebrating the life of Alvin Schuette will be held at the Southern View Chapel, 4500 S 2nd St, Springfield, IL on Friday, February 16, 2024 with visitation from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and Celebration of Life Service at 10:30 a.m. with interment immediately following at 12:00 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Rd, Springfield, IL. Rev. Gary Gilley will officiate.

Donations honoring Alvin can be given to BGFM Global (Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission), PO Box 355, Springfield, IL 62705-0355.

Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home in Springfield is in charge of arrangements.