Alvin Doefler Sr. peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, after a short illness.
He was born on September 9, 1931, in Kenosha, WI, to William and Eleanor (Joerndt) Doerfler. He lived in Kenosha as a small boy, but for his early school years, his family moved to Somers, WI. He had many, many happy memories of life there. His family later moved back to Kenosha, where he finished his schooling. He then started working at MacWhyte Wire Rope, where he worked for a few years, before the Army came calling.
Alvin was drafted into the US Army in February 1952. He served as an artillery specialist on the front lines during the Korean War until he was honorably discharged in November 1953. While serving, he earned many medals, including a Korean Service medal with 3 Bronze Stars, a National Defense Service medal, a United Nations Service medal, and 2 Overseas bars. After returning from the war, he returned to work at MacWhyte, where he stayed for 46 years.
He soon met the love of his life, Dorothy Knapp, on a blind date, which was set up by her uncle, who was his Army friend. They enjoyed a fun night of bowling, and their magic began! The two were married in Kenosha at St. George Church with family and friends attending. They then had a fun-filled honeymoon in New York City. They came back and lived in Pleasant Prairie, WI, where they raised their 5 children, along with a few foster children, too. In 2005, they moved to Stanley, WI, where they stayed until Dorothy’s death in 2019. Alvin then came back to Kenosha, where he lived with his daughter, Deborah, and son-in-law, Bob, until his death.
Alvin was a hard worker – sometimes having multiple jobs, besides his job at home. He was a lifelong stamp collector, Chicago Bears fan, and a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan – often listening on his transistor radio! “GO GO Cubbies!!” He was so happy to have seen his team win the World Series in 2016! Alvin was always ready for a card game – cribbage, pinochle, hearts, spades, or even sheep head. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was a good husband, great father, and fun-filled grandpa! He is deeply missed.
Alvin was a proud veteran, often displaying the American flag in his yard. He spoke positively of his time in Korea, remembering those he served with. In 2014, he was chosen to go on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. He and his son, John, together toured the memorials and Arlington Cemetery. They were so thrilled! It was an unforgettable, wonderful trip of a lifetime.
Survivors include his children, Alvin (Nancy) Doerfler Jr. of Twin Lakes, WI, Ellen Doerfler of Kenosha, WI, Deborah (Bob) Miller of Kenosha, WI, John (Delaura) Doerfler of Rib Lake, WI, and Suzanne Doerfler of Kenosha, WI; his sister, Elizabeth Wisnefski of Paris, WI; 10 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; brother, Richard; and sisters Mildred and Dolores.
Alvin will be given a full honors funeral service at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI, on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Following the ceremony, there will be coffee and sandwiches at the American Legion in Union Grove, WI. The family encourages all to come and to wear red, white, and blue in honor of Alvin’s service, Flag Day, and the Chicago Cubs!
