Alden O. (Al) Phelps

Alden O. “Al” Phelps was born March 7, 1937, in Poynette, Wisconsin, the son of Orlando and Evelyn Ruemann Phelps. He later lived in Portage and graduated from Portage High School.

Al served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. The information we currently have does not identify his rank, ship or specific assignment, so I would leave those details open unless we find additional military records.

On October 20, 1962, Al married Elvera Edna Erdman of Westfield at St. John Evangelical United Brethren Church in Westfield. Following their wedding, the couple made their home in Madison. Their marriage would last more than 51 years and they raised two sons, Brian and Gary.

Al spent his working career as an operating engineer, a trade he remained in for more than 50 years. He retired in 1998 from Madison Crushing and Excavating. In retirement, Al and Elvera spent seven winters in McAllen, Texas, which became something of a second home for them.

Al was an active and dedicated member of American Legion Post 59. He served the Post in several leadership positions, including Vice Commander, Chaplain and, in 1999 and 2000, Post Commander. He was also a member of the Post 59 Honor Guard, a responsibility he especially enjoyed.

His service to others extended well beyond his official positions. Al regularly visited people who were shut in or staying in hospitals and nursing homes. His obituary recalled that he made a point of speaking to people whether he knew them or not because he believed everyone needed a friend. If someone needed a hand, Al was willing to help.

Away from his work and Legion activities, Al enjoyed fishing, reading, playing cards and pool, dancing, and singing at church and funerals. He was a member of Stoughton United Methodist Church.

Al died at home on December 13, 2013, at the age of 76 following a short battle with cancer. Elvera and his family were with him. He was laid to rest at Lutheran South Cemetery with full military honors.

Perhaps the best description of Al comes from the family who knew him best. They remembered his love, kindness and the many visits he made to people throughout his life, writing that he had “left footprints on all our hearts.”

Al Phelps' life was marked by service—to his country in the Navy, to his family, to American Legion Post 59 and, perhaps most importantly, to the people around him. His belief that everyone needed a friend seems to capture the kind of man he was.