On Saturday July 29, 2023, Alan Ray Loeffelman passed away peacefully at the age of 71 while enjoying time with his family in Branson.
Al attended college at Rolla (Missouri S&T) and was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and served as an officer in the Army. After the Army, Al along with his brother Kevin teamed up to successfully start their own business, Production Castings, which after 47 years now has more than 200 employees. Al was very active in the community, dedicating time and effort to help associations such as NADCA (North American Die Casting Association), Northwest Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, various school advisory committees, and also supported many local charities and events.
Al married his high school sweetheart, Joann Taylor, and just this past June they were blessed with a surprise celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary hosted by their three children. Al and Joann were true partners in life, sharing their love of travel, golf, fishing, and spending time with those they loved. Al led by example and taught his children that no matter how much you have to do at work, you should always make time for family. Any time he was at work and they needed him, he would not hesitate to answer their phone calls. He made family dinner a priority and took the time to attend any extracurricular activities.
Al, also known as “Big Al” will be missed greatly by not only his family but also by the very many close friends he had around him. In his spare time he enjoyed going to the lake, golfing, fishing, cooking and traveling and always preferred sharing these activities with those he loved. It is no surprise that by always involving friends and family in these activities that he had such a large circle of people that loved and respected him. Al’s friendship was not only appreciated by those in his personal life, that circle spans into his work in the industry including many people he did business with, members of professional associations, and the many coworkers that were just like family.
Many of Al’s closest friends have been spending time together on a regular basis for more than 50 years. Al’s greatest joy was to entertain and he was dedicated to making time to gather friends and family in his home for every possible occasion. He was the glue that kept these life-long friendships and family traditions intact. The group of friends referred to as “Club/Our Gang” meet several times a year dating back to 1975, where all gather to have dinner, conversation and enjoy good times. The Thursday night golf group started with Al, Kevin, Gary and Steve 44 years ago where they had dinner and drinks after a round on the course. Eventually the girls Joann, Cindy, Monica and Cathie joined the golf night. The group of 4 couples later began to travel together and have spent many vacations golfing in other locations such as South Padre Island.
If you were lucky enough to taste his famous BBQ ribs, you better let him know that they were “Damn Good!” He was an expert at letting you know when he was right, as he often was, and would beam with a smile if you were gracious enough to give him verbal confirmation. Whine and complain a little too much and you might be lucky enough to see him play his “world’s smallest violins” for you!
While not always the type of man that would say “I love you” he showed his love by his actions, which always spoke louder than words. He was a humble, kind, and generous man given what he achieved in his professional life. But there is no denying that one of his greatest achievements was his circle of family and friends. If you judge a man by the number of people around him that love and respect him, you will understand why Al Loeffelman was a truly great man and will forever be remembered that way. Those of us lucky enough to have him as a loving husband, father and grandfather will miss him dearly.
Beloved husband of Joann Loeffelman (nee Taylor). Loving father of Tiffany, Chad (Tami Chappel) and Jayson (Renee) Loeffelman. Adoring Grandpa of Trevor and Hailey Loeffelman, Dear son of the late Ken and Doris Loeffelman. Dear brother of Kevin (Cindy) and Chris (Janet) Loeffelman. Our Dearest brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin, and friend to many.
Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois on Tuesday, August 8, from 3-8 p.m. with funeral service on Wednesday, August 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Kutis Affton Chapel. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Luncheon to be held at Andre’s (West) 211 Old Hwy 141, Fenton MO 63026. Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, any contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association
https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pg=fund&fr_id=1060&pxfid=827138
or to a charity of your choice. There will be a memory box available for those who would like to write a message for the family. Please feel free to bring your message with you or you can also write one while at the services.
So sorry to hear about our cousin Alan’s passing on Saturday. We’re thinking about all of you as you navigate this difficult time.
Very Saddened to hear of the passing of my friend Al. He was a wonderful human being and a good friend to so Many People. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathies to the Loeffelman family! You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
God Bless!
To Chad and your family, I wish to send you my heartfelt condolences in hearing of the passing of Al. I had the pleasure of working with Al for many years which also consisted of several lunches and dinners that the conversation quickly went to his family, golf and several other subjects. We always talked business in his office so we could then have a conversation about everything else which I always looked forward to.
May God be with you and your family through this difficult time.
Jack Turney
Eastern Alloys, Inc.
Great man,I have nothing but respect for him and he accomplished in world.
Carry on Big Al.
Dear Loeffelman family,
I love this photo of Al that shows his inner light and joy. I bet his ribs were “Damn good”! I just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I am praying for your family and sending my love. I am here for you.
Al Was a great guy and a good friend. God bless him and his family.
Missing you…
I’m writing this with a very heavy heart, there are no words to express my shock & true sadness.
Al was my loving husband, best friend, my rock. It’s hard to comprehend that I’ve only “not” know him for “16” of my 71 years!
Thank you Danny Latal, childhood buddy and current friend, for introducing us at our young age. How could I resist those cute big ole dimples!! Dan, look what you created!!
Comments folks just mentioned to me that Al was Bigger than Life & another that, plain & simple…he was a Good Man!
Your kind comments & stories truly warms our hearts!
As shockingly painful as it is to all that knew him, on a lighter side, we know he is patting himself on his back saying…
Damn I’m good, I just went out exactly how I wanted to,, in my sleep!!
Al,
Your friends & family will be
watching out for your “Cardinal” visits.
See you soon!
❤️ Love always ,
Joann
Comments
I’m not sure what to say as I myself am still in shock. I was introduced to Al 45 or so years ago as Chris and I have been friends since High School. I’ve worked for Production Castings part-time during college, I’ve spent many years visiting and hanging out with family in Bonne Terre, and Branson. Nothing but fond memories over the years. Suzanne & I send our prayers to all of the family and their friends.
Please know there are so many who have your family in their prayers and thoughts. Death can leave a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. My you treasure and hold all the memories dear to your heart. God Bless and Strength.
So very sorry for your loss. We were lucky to have spent some fun times with Al and the whole family, especially at the lake. He was a very nice person. We will miss him at our future family reunions. May God provide comfort and understanding. Sending prayers and hugs your way.
We enjoyed Al and Joann’s company on many occasions and vacations. It was always some of our best times. We will miss him but remember him as a lifelong friend.
Al was a bigger than life guy and a great friend, but really more like family.
There are too many Wonderful memories we have of time spent with the Loeffelman’s to list them all.
We will always appreciate our times together at Table Rock and the numerous Club and Superbowl parties.
If you boated with Al, you had better not miss that ski rope! Those who did, know what we’re talking about.
Al helped us develop a love for boating from our teenage years and helped us in so many ways since.
Our only hope is that he knew how much we loved and appreciated him.
Everyone should be so lucky to have a friend like Al.
Thinking of all the Loeffelman’s but especially Joann during this difficult time and want you to know we are here for you.
I will miss the look on his face while taking his poker $ and also miss his comments to me on how rarely I worked.
We were shocked and so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. He will be missed. He was always a joy to be with. I remember several fun times together at the lake, family reunions in Denison, IA, and family gatherings. May God provide peace, comfort and understanding during this time. Our prayers are with you.
To the Whole Loeffelman Family,
We are sending our deepest, and very heartfelt condolences. All of our memories of Al and your family were always so fun! You and your family are a joy to be around, and we have your kids and grandkids nearby where we live now. We are truly sad that you leave us too soon. Bill and Kate
Joann, Jan and I just heard of Al’s passing. We are so very sorry for your loss. I remember all the good times we all had at the family reunions and Christmas dinners at Uncle Kenny and Aunt Doris’s house. Our prayers are coming to you and your family.
Oh Joanne, we just learned of Alan’s passing this morning. We’re both in shock and you and your family have been on our hearts all day. Please accept our condolences. We thought the world of Alan and we know how very hard this is for you. Our love and prayers. Herb and Diane
My husband Randy and I will truly miss Al’s happy, smiling face! He was definitely something else!!! As Randy said, “He was a good man! Unselfish! He will be missed!” He was so very happy and loving life. You could just see it in his face every time he laid eyes on you. I met Al when I walked into Production Castings back in 1986. I was late for my job interview because my car would not start and I had to get a jump. That did not phase him a bit! He hired me in October of 1986 and I have been there ever since. I have always been thankful that he gave me that chance and I will ALWAYS be grateful for it! It has been a complete joy through the years to work with him! He was always respectful and good to me! Such a down to earth man who worked hard and lived and loved life to the fullest! There are sooooo many good and funny memories of him that I could just go on and on with. One of my favorites was when he got his pants leg caught in the paper shredder under his desk! Ripped his pants leg to shreds! It was so completely hilarious! If I had a nickel for every time that he played his “small violins” for me, I would be rich!!! Our hearts go out to the Loeffelman family and friends! Hang on to all of those amazing memories! You are in our prayers!
I am grateful that I had got to work for such a wonderful , hardworking man who wouldn’t hesitate to put a Smile on your face or have you laughing . You will be missed Al but never forgotten .Prayers for the whole family to help you all get through this difficult time . God Bless .
Aunt Joann, Tiffany, Chad, Jayson and beloved family,
Tonja and I send our heartfelt condolences from here in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I deeply regret that I cannot be present for Uncle Al’s celebration of life service tomorrow. The tears I’ve had to wipe away attest to how saddened I was to hear of his passing. Reading the tributes of friends and family can leave no doubt how much he was loved.
Living outside of the US since 1992, I’ve had precious little opportunity to see him or the rest of the family. I assure you, however, that I was touched by his kindness and have many fond and vivid memories. As ring-bearer at your wedding I especially recall in detail the humorous exchange between Uncle Al and the groomsmen just minutes before the ceremony began. Images of moments spent with family at your A-frame lake house near Bonne Terre and at holiday gatherings will also be cherished. I only wish I could have been there for more of them.
Please know that you and all the family will be in our thoughts and prayers as you navigate the days ahead. May you experience the unsurpassed comfort of the Lord and, in turn, have the strength to comfort others. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)
We love you,
Ken & Tonja
Joann, Kevin and Family,
When I learned of Al’s passing, I was filled with great sorrow and sadness.
The Lord put a few extremely special people on this earth to bring joy to those around him. Al was one of those people.
After 50 years, I can still hear his laughter.
My deepest condolences for all of you.
Jon Kremer
Al Loeffelman was a gentle giant who was the life of the party! He was generous with his time and resources to make anyone around him feel welcome. He has been a friend and customer for over 25 years. I will truly miss him and his anecdotes! His sarcasm and humor always fit well with mine and I know everyone else loved him for that. Please know the entire Loeffelman and Production Casting’s families are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless
To the Loeffelman Family,
I deeply empathize with your loss and offer my most sincere heartfelt condolences. May the treasured memories of the times you spent with Al throughout your life bring you solace in the weeks and months ahead. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this challenging time. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Tim Fenner
I was so sad to hear of Al’s passing. Love to the family. I’ll never forget that smile and dimple.
Just heard from my sister Jean about Al. So sorry to hear of your loss. Al hired me at 16 to work at Production Castings and let me work anytime I was free to help pay for college which was greatly appreciated. It helped me to get my degree at Rolla like him and set me up for life. I remember all the great times at the family picnics and Christmas parties at the shop. He was a really great guy!