Alvin Shovers

Alvin Shovers passed away peacefully on February 29th, 2012. He was 90 years old. Al was a sweet, gentle soul who radiated happiness and lifted the spirits of those around him with his warm smile and infectious laugh. He loved his family above all else, especially his dear wife, Betty, to whom he was married for nearly 68 years. Al was also blessed with two wonderful sons, Steve and Marc (Jan), and the apples of his eye, grandsons Sam and Ben. Al was born in Racine, WI, the son of William and Ethel. He had 5 brothers, Frank (Mildred), John (Esther), Morrie (Edie), and Hy (Ileane), as well as 3 sisters, Rose (Bill), Sadie (Joe), and Mary (Norman). Al graduated from Washington Park High School in 1939. During his World War II service in the 11th Armored Division, Al participated in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria. Following his service, Al worked as a meat cutter for several years until he found his true calling as an agent for the Mutual Service Insurance Company, for which he worked for over 30 years. Al had a great love of baseball and trains, and he entertained generations of children of all ages with his famous disappearing thumb trick, his divided finger trick, and his ability to make quarters appear out of thin air. And during the frequent walks he took with his grandsons around his Florida condo complex, he really loved watching Sam and Ben skip stones on the "Big Water." People were drawn to Al because they could sense his genuine care for them, his decency, and his love of life. Al was a mensch. He was renowned in the family for his ever-present camera, his wonderful smile, and his great affection for his many relatives. Al is survived by his beloved wife Betty, his sons Steve and Marc, daughter-in-law Jan, grandsons Sam and Ben, his brother Hy and sister-in-law Ileane, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and Mystic. Al will be greatly missed by his family and by the many friends he's touched. We love you infinity, Al/Dad/Papa.
The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Covenant Oaks and Agrace Hospice for providing Al with comfort and care. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Jewish Social Services of Madison or the
Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.