Alvin Bibelheimer's Obituary
Alvin “Al” Emmanuel Bibelheimer, 92, went to be with the Lord Monday, June 10, 2013, at his home in Tacoma, WA. He was born on June 20, 1920, in Monroe, South Dakota to the Reverend Emmanuel and Emma Bibelheimer. After moving to Tacoma in 1942 to join the war effort, he was unable to pass the physical due to his hearing and instead took a job with Boeing to support the war effort as a civilian. He continued with Boeing for 43 years. Upon arriving in Tacoma, he started attending Calvary Baptist Church where he met the love of his life, Phyllis. They were married on September 8, 1945, and were blessed with more than 67 years together.
Al was known throughout his lifetime as a dedicated and humble servant of the Lord. He was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church his entire adult life and was involved in many ministries including working with youth, serving as a trustee, helping to plant new churches, teaching Sunday School, and singing in the choir. Al spent his retirement years investing time in his hobbies. He was a member of Boeing Employees Coin Club, a passion which has now been passed on to his son-in-law, Chip, and great granddaughter, Kaelyn. Al also served as a docent at The LeMay Family (Car) Collection Foundation for 19 years. He was privileged to be a part of a North American Baptist mission trip to the Cameroon.
Al spent his life loving his Lord, his wife, and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother, Louis, and younger brother, Earl. He is survived by his loving wife Phyllis; a sister, Ruth Mehlhaff of Lodi, California; son Steven (Ingrid) of Copenhagen, Denmark; daughter, Ann Van Gilder (Chip); grandchildren Jason Van Gilder (Leanne), Amy Reinmuth (Jeff), Amanda Sondegaard-Bibelheimer of Copenhagen, Denmark; and great-grandchildren Levin Alexander, Philip Emmanuel, and Owen Robert Van Gilder; Kaelyn Autumn, Cooper Benjamin Walter, and Campbell Mercy Reinmuth; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held followed by a celebration of Al’s life on his birthday, June 20, 2013, at 3:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 6511 S ‘C’ Street, Tacoma, WA.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Al’s name to The LeMay Family Collection Foundation, Calvary Baptist Church, or South Sound Christian Schools.
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