Aelred H. Schwery

Al Schwery, age

83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 20,

2018 after a courageous battle with cancer. Al was born in Panama, IA to Alfred and Romana Schwery on June

6, 1935.

Al dreamed of flying planes while growing up on his family’s farm in Defiance, IA.

Al enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after high school and was stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. When he returned, Al met and married Judy, his loving wife of over 57 years, while they both worked as dance instructors at Arthur Murray in Omaha, NE. He returned to school and continued to work towards his goal of becoming a pilot. He went on to enjoy a 32 year career as a Captain for Eastern Airlines and Kiwi International Airlines.

Al maintained his passion for flight throughout his whole life. He never missed an airplane or bird flying in the sky and can frequently be seen looking up at the sky in outdoor pictures. He was also a great collector of gems and minerals and loved the outdoors and the Southwest for its beautiful scenery and history.

Al was an outgoing, friendly and giving man who has always enjoyed helping others. While living in Georgia, Al volunteered as a Flight Instructor, teaching aviation to disadvantaged youth. After moving to New Mexico, Al volunteered at the Veteran’s Memorial and also served as the Secretary for the Eighth Air Force Historical Society.

Al was a warm and devoted family man. He was a loving husband to Judy, a positive and encouraging father to his two children, Kimberly and Daniel and a fun and enthusiastic grandfather to Grey and Cole. He was always happy to spend time with and hear from his family and friends and was known for his great sense of humor and always having a big smile on his face and a funny story to tell.

Al is survived by his immediate family, his sisters, Melania Peterson (Jerry), Connie Becker, Milly Laube (John) and his brother Mel Schwery (Cheryl). He also leaves behind many special nieces, nephews, cousins and his Aunt Cleo Nelsen. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister Coletta Blum, sister in-law Sharon Schwery and brother inlaw Warren Becker.

Al was a strong and determined man who never gave up on his dreams and who always took the time to get to know and appreciate those in his presence. He always chose to act out of love and was very kind and patient. He will be greatly missed.

Services will be held Saturday August 18, 2018 at 10 AM at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church. 12500 Carmel Avenue NE Albuquerque, NM

A reception celebrating Al’s life will immediately follow.