Alva "Al" Broyles Jr.

Alva Eugene Broyles Jr., 77, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls.

He was born on October 25th, 1939, in Olympia, WA to Alva and Alice (Kaldestad) Broyles. He had fond memories of attending Hays Country School. He graduated from Olympia High School in 1957.

Al joined the Navy in 1957 and served on board the USS Lowe and the USS Warrington as a radarman. He was honorably discharged on October 24th, 1960.

In January 1961, he entered Centralia Junior College in Centralia, WA while living at home, helping his father on the family farm, and working part time at the plywood plant in Olympia. He graduated in June of 1963 and moved to Seattle, WA to attend the University of Washington.

On July 3rd, 1964, he married Janice Kramer at the Assembly of God Church in Olympia. Their daughter Kristina was born on November 16th, 1965, shortly before graduating from college in December of that year with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He began his career in Spokane, WA with the USDA Soil Conservation Service. He transferred to a position in Sunnyside, WA and then moved on to Auburn, WA where their son Todd was born on October 12th, 1967, followed by their son Nicholas on November 18th, 1969. The family moved to Fergus Falls, MN in July of 1971.

Al retired from the USDA in April of 1994. He went to work for the State of Minnesota in Detroit Lakes in 1995, retiring from that position in 2004. Al then began driving for Ottertail Coaches, mainly driving sports teams around to their games, which he really enjoyed. He retired from driving in December 2009.

Growing up in the Assembly of God Church, Al accepted the Lord as a young boy and served Him throughout his life. His hobbies included watching sports of all kinds, reading, camping, traveling, boating, motorcycling and snowmobiling. He played basketball in High School and church league softball. Al was also involved in the Fergus Falls hockey program, and he enjoyed playing saxophone with the college jazz band and orchestra. He was a devoted husband and father, and very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Al entered the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls on January 15th, 2013. He appreciated all the care he received there from the wonderful staff and caregivers.

Al went home to be with his Lord on October 10th, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Alice Broyles.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Janice; his daughter Kristina (Bob) Bergh of Maple Grove, MN; his son Todd (Niki) Broyles of Battle Lake, MN; his son Nicholas (Alice) Broyles of Las Cruces, NM; ten grandchildren: Taylor (Lucas) Griffith, Patrick, Benjamin, Aaron, Erica, Emily, Grace, Alyssa, Rachel, and Zachary; his sister Bertha (Buddy) Montgomery; his sister Ellen (Don) Reich; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Blessed be the memory of Al Broyles.


Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Monday, October 16, 2017, at Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls, with a 6:30 public prayer service, and resuming one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 17, 2017, at Life Church, Fergus Falls
Clergy: Pastor Patrick Herzog
Interment: Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, MN
Arrangements provided by the Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Online condolences may be sent to www.OlsonFuneralHome.com