Alfred J. “Al” Ebbing
Alfred J. “Al” Ebbing, age 98, of Quincy, died on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 in the Illinois Veterans Home. He was born on March 3, 1920 in Quincy, IL., the son of Ben and Anna (Schulte) Ebbing. He married Arlene L. Klene on October 26, 1946 in St. Francis Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2011.
At the time of his retirement Mr. Ebbing was a warehouse manager at the Quincy Walton Plant for Gardner-Denver. During his 44 years with Gardner Denver in both Quincy plants, he held various positions from Machine Operator, Time Study, and worked in the Methods Division. He served in the United States Army Air Corp during WWII. Al was a member of Blessed Sacrament Church.
During World War II, he served as a Tech/Sgt. and Top Gunner on a B-24 bomber in the 458 bomb group of the world famous 8th Army Air Corps in the European Theatre of Operations.. The B-24 bomber crews had a 50% mortality rate. Al survived being shot down twice and completed his 28 missions before coming back to the United States. He worked up to three jobs at one time to support his growing family that he loved very much along with his wife Arlene. He was very active at St. Boniface parish serving as Cub Scout Master for nearly 20 years for his six sons. He also served as President of the Holy Name Society, St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Chairman, and was a Trustee of the Parish. He continued to serve as a lecture and Eucharistic minister until St. Boniface church closed. He is a Past Commodore of the American Legion Post 37.
He enjoyed being the jolly guy in the red suit at Christmas. He took his family on great camping vacations around the country for many years and visited most of the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico in their station wagon and foldup camper. He especially enjoyed his time with each of the grandchildren and great grandkids. Later in life he enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels, often taking his kids or grandkids along with him, he did so until he was 92. He has left so many memories behind him for everyone to enjoy. His family and friends salute him on his final flight into heaven.
He is survived by: SEVEN CHILDREN: Joe Ebbing and his husband Scot Kleinhanzel of Thonotosassa, FL; Dave Ebbing and his wife Nanci of Gainesville, GA; Steve Ebbing and his wife Linda of Ramona, CA; Rob Ebbing and his wife Vicki of Quincy; Mary Young and her husband Todd of Quincy; Dan Ebbing and his wife Michelle of Grafton, IL and Ron Ebbing and his wife Sheila of Urbandale, IA.
TWENTY-THREE GRANDCHILDREN: Mark Ebbing and his partner Ken Stears; Chris Ebbing and his wife Sarah; Jeff Ebbing and his wife Dawn; Sarah Niemann and her husband Mark; Nathaniel Ebbing and and his wife Jaclyn; Dr. Jon Ebbing and his wife Dr. Devon; Abby Klarner and her husband Matt; Matt Ebbing and his wife Erin; Robyn Iseminger; Kristi Beck and her husband Trevor; Brant Ericson and his wife Liz; Katie Ebbing; Kevin Young and his wife Jennifer; Keith Young; Jessica Loos and her husband Matt; Justin Ebbing and his wife Brooke; Blake Ebbing; Brady Ebbing; Sabrina Ebbing and her fiance’ Josh Gilmore; Regina Ebbing; Kristina Zounon and her husband Michael; Tim Clark and his wife Shawna and Emily Ebbing.
THIRTY GREAT GRANDCHILDREN: Hannah, Benjamin, Esty, Jeff, Hannah, Elizabeth, Katelyn, Courtney, Colby, Lainey, AJ, Stella, Greta, Townes, Heidi, Lydia, Elliott, Miles, Gabby, Gavin, Reece, Layne, Mason, Connor, Madison, Devin, Tyson, Grayson, John, Maliah, Edem, & Violet.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arlene, daughter Cheryl Ebbing in infancy and sisters Bernice Ebbing and Helen Rhodes.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home and at 10:00 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery with military honors conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages that memorials be made to the to the Illinois Veterans Home Activity Fund, or the Great River Honor Flight.
To the Ebbing family our deepest sympathy to you all.
With a very sad heavy heart, Art and I want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. However after reading the legacy of Alfred’s life, great joy enters my heart. Your father lived life to the fullest with great gusto. Let me add, his barbeque dinners were always amazing. You all have so many memories to tuck away in your hearts glorious beautiful memories – cherish them. Alfred has left so much on earth a beautiful family – lovely children and amazing grand & great grandchildren. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. Liz and Art
Our condolences to the entire family.
Rob, Vicki and Family – I am sorry for your loss – I wish you peace
My memories of your father are those of a kind and thoughtful man who loved life, his children and those who he ministered to.
My sincere condolences to the Ebbing Family. We lived across the street from the Ebbings, i was the youngest in our family but remember having snow cones after programs he did bevause he had leftovers and always shared with the neighborhood! He is a Jolly Old soul and was always helpful. I do recall getting in trouble a couple times sliding down the hill on big pieces of cardboard between Ebbings and Washausen’s (later Chandler’s)…they had the best grass in the neighborhood! I loved walking on it barefoot! My love goes ot too you all.
So sincerely sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the extended family and friends. From Dave’s work family in Georgia.
My heartfelt sympathy to the Ebbing family…Your Dad was a wonderful and genuine person. He was a good friend and cousin of my Dad. Thinking of you and prayers for peace in your hearts.
Please accept our thoughts and prayers for your family at this solemn time of grief. John & Terri Badamo
So sorry to hear of Al’s passing. Many great memories of “cousins” parties and Al’s special gift of helping Santa at Christmas.
June & Bill Lahrman
Dear family,.
Al and his own family have known my family 90 some years. My father flew 17teens and Am flew p29s. Both my father and he went to Springfield with Paul Siebert to see plans many years ago.
My mother who was a close friend with Als sister at the illinois bell in the 40s taught my mother toll. My mother’s who is 97 called me today and told me of his death. Am was a true gentleman.
Mom and I will have a mass said for him at St. Rose.
Paul K. Geers
Our sincere condolences. Al was a great man. We have many fond memories of him and your whole family.