Al Pontius, 81, died at his home in Long Boat Key, FL following a courageous and dignified battle with cancer on December 30, 2006.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, January 8, at Countryside Christian Church, Michigan City, with Rev. Ken Gill officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Cutler Funeral Home, LaPorte. Burial will be in Pine Lake Cemetery.
Al was born in LaPorte September 3, 1925, to Alvin and Beulah (Baker) Pontius. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Jean Ann; daughters, Judith C. (Jerry L.) Mrozinski, Cedar Rapids, IA, Lynda (Warren) Meeker, Water Mill, NY, Cathy (Samuel) Wiggins, Scottsdale, AZ; a son, Gil (Cindy) Pontius, Long Beach; and stepdaughter Kimberly (Philip) Balint, Niles, MI; stepson Kevin (Aimee) Falvey, N. West Palm Beach, FL; grandchildren J.J. (Stacey) Mrozinski, Alexis, Katherine & Margaret Pontius and Samantha Quartuccio; great-grandchildren Morgan & Nikolas Mrozinski: and sister, Thelma Pataluch of LaPorte.
His parents and sisters Erma Harp and Phyllis (Phee) Davis preceded him in death.
Al founded Al's Supermarkets, opening his first store in Michigan City in 1946, after returning from Navel service during WW II. Throughout his career, he served actively and effectively in community and business affairs. He was a past president of Saint Anthony Hospital Advisory Board and past president of Pottawattomie Country Club. He served many years on the boards of the Samaritan Center and Horizon Bank. Als was one of several local investors who formed the Sullivan Machine Corporation (Sullair) where he was a vice-president and served on the Board of Directors until 1984. For 10 years he was an investor in McDonalds Restaurants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He served as Chairman of the Board of Lakeshore Foods (Al's) until his death.
Al was a friendly and helpful man who aided countless people from corporate presidents to local officials to baggers and clerks in his stores. A great fan of Notre Dame and his beloved Cubs, he was an avid golfer until recently. He was a member of Bird Key Yacht Club and he and his wife are parishioners of Long Boat Key Island Chapel.
He was also an active and supportive member of Long Beach Country Club, Pottawattomie Country Club, Long Boat Key Club, the Sorin Society (ND) Moose Lodge, Elks Club Marquette High School and Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.
Al supported and raised funds for the Boy Scouts, LaPorte County Fair, Marquette High School, St. Anthony Hospital, United Way, and the American Heart Association. In 1976, he sponsored the "Freedom Van" that celebrated our nation's bicentennial and gifted a replica of the Liberty Bell that remains mounted at City Hall I Michigan City. For ten years through 1997 he sponsored the Al Pontius Open Golf Tournament to raise funds for the local Red Cross Chapter. In 1997 he was honored with the "Book of Golden Deeds" Award by the Exchange Club and the "Liberty Bell" Award presented by the Michigan City Bar Association. He was also honored as Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parade in Michigan City.
His interests were sincere and his contributions significant. Our LaPorte County community designated Al as one of our "Very Best Men". A man of integrity, Al will be deeply missed.