Alfred Watkins

Alfred E. Watkins, 80, Fargo passed away Saturday, January 16 in the Palliative Care Unit of MeritCare Hospital, Fargo. Alfred Eugene Watkins was born September 10, 1929 to Alva and Annie (Hagemeister) Watkins in rural Annondale, MN. After the family moved to Litchfield, MN, Alfred attended District 15 and other country schools, graduating in 1948 from Litchfield High School. He farmed with his father until being called into the service on December 6, 1950. He served in the Navy and Navy Reserve for four years. He worked for area farmers upon his return. On November 17, 1956 he married Sylvia Nordstrom at Ostmark Lutheran Church in rural Watkins, MN. They lived in St. Paul, MN for three years and then moved to Buffalo, MN where he worked in the hospital as a custodian and had his own paint contracting business. The couple moved to Fargo in 1976 and Al continued with his painting business until he went to work for North Dakota State University in the custodial department. He worked there until retiring in 1992. He kept active in retirement by devoting himself to serving many clients through his own lawn service. Al served as head usher at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo, MN and St. John Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND. He served on the church council at St. John’s for five years. He has currently been a member at First Lutheran Church and was on the Property Committee and had been a volunteer in their “Helping Hands” ministry. While his health was good, Al enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially in Montana and Canada. His greatest enjoyment came from visiting—especially with his “coffee group” at the Village Inn. He is survived by his wife, Sylvia, one sister, Frances Pollack, Darwin, MN; 5 nephews and 3 nieces, 2 sister-in-laws, and 1 brother-in-law. He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister, 4 brother-in-laws, and 3 sister-in-laws. There will be memorial service on Thursday, January 21 at 2:00 pm in First Lutheran Church, Fargo, North Dakota. Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo. Please feel free to sign the online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com