Eugene Willard Aalfs

Eugene Willard Aalfs was received by our Lord on Sunday, September 11, 2011 at 1:16 a.m. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan. Mr. Aalfs was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob R. and Olga E. (Lutzus) Aalfs, his sister, Henrietta Aalfs, and his two brothers, Christ J. (Butch) Aalfs and Henry S. (Hank) Aalfs. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former R. Margaret Batchelor. They were married on March 4, 1950. Also surviving are their four children; Betty Lou (Bruce) Chapman of Clarkston, MI; Brenda E. (Stephen) Klingerman of Niles, MI; Ronald E. Aalfs and Karen S. (Orville) Worvey of Buchanan. Survivors also include his nine, beloved grandchildren; Eric Chapman of Ferndale, MI, Stephanie Chapman of Hamtramck, MI, Christopher and Allison Klingerman of Lynnwood, WA, Naomi (Brian) Monroe of Danville, IN, Aaron (Carrie) Aalfs, Melissa (Todd) Stines-VanCourt, Chad (Jennifer) Worvey, and Jennifer (Joshua) DeWulf, all of Niles. The delight of his life were his nine great-grandchildren; Caleb, Tyler, Jacob, and Matthew Stines-VanCourt, Chloe and Hudson Aalfs, Connor Worvey, and Caden and Christian DeWulf. His love for his family was immeasurable, both his strength and his legacy. Mr. Aalfs was a member of the Buchanan First United Methodist Church where he served on several committees, Orchard Hills Country Club and a former member of Buchanan Moose Lodge and the Buchanan Masonic Lodge. He graduated from Buchanan High School in 1949 where he played football, basketball, and track. Mr. Aalfs was a former police officer for the City of Buchanan and a Berrien County Sheriff’s deputy. He also worked for Standard Oil, first as a driver, then as an agent. In 1975 he and his wife purchased the business from Standard Oil and Aalfs Petroleum, Inc. was born. Mr. Aalfs was a past member of the Buchanan City Commission. He was especially instrumental in helping with the formation of the city’s first Senior Center. Mr. Aalfs hobbies included coaching Little League, Pony League and American Legion baseball and men’s slow-pitch softball. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, golf, and traveling. He also enjoyed carpentry projects.Visitation will be Tuesday, September 13 from 3 pm to 8 pm at Swem Chapel in Buchanan. The funeral will be Wednesday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the Buchanan First United Methodist Church, 132 South Oak Street, with Pastor Rob McPherson officiating. Interment will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Buchanan, MI. Donations may be made to Buchanan First United Methodist Church or Hospice At Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085. To leave a condolence message or sign Eugene guest book please visit our web site www.swemchapel.com.