Al W. Jirele, 90, of Owatonna, MN, died August 21, 2024, at Timberdale Trace Assisted Living. A Knights of Columbus Rosary was recited at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Joseph Catholic Church with interment following at Sacred Heart Cemetery with military honors provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.
Al was born to Albert and Mary (Wacek) Jirele in Bixby, MN, on June 19,1934. He grew up in Bixby, worked on the family farm, and graduated from Owatonna High School. He was also an Army veteran who served during the Korean War. On October 11, 1958, he married Mary (Pat) Nechville at Christ the King Church in Medford, MN. Together they raised four daughters: Kim, Lisa, Michelle, and Nicole. Al and Pat were married for 65 years.
Al worked 39 years at OTC and 20 years part-time at McDonald Liquor Store, but his favorite job of all came after he retired at age 62, which was driving school bus for the Owatonna Bus Company for 13 years.
Al belonged to many organizations including the Knights of Columbus, Elks, Eagles, American Legion, VFW, Izaak Walton League, Ducks Unlimited and Minnesota Pheasants. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and bird watching. He attended numerous silent retreats at the Demontreville Jesuit Retreat House. One of his greatest joys was the 32 years of annual summer vacations that his entire family went on to various resorts in Northern Minnesota. His family was so very important to him. Al took great pride in the home he built, along with his wife, on Oakview Drive, doing most of the masonry work himself.
Al is survived by his four daughters; Kim (Al) Zago, Lisa (Michael) Gaveske, Michelle (Mike) Grunwald and Nicole (Bryan) Katzung. He is also survived by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother and wife, Ed (Arlene) Jirele of California; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Pat, his parents, and his three siblings and their spouses: Chuck (Barb) Skalicky, Jen (Larry) Mahoney, and Mary Ann Sorenson.
Al will always be remembered as a loving father, grandfather and friend. His many stories will forever be cherished by those who were dear to him.
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