n Oct. 11, 1926, Albert Drenkhahn was born in Eureka, S.D. His parents were Eduard and Ella Drenkhahn. He would have one sister and three brothers, surviving all of them. He came to Portland in 1943 to work in the ship yards.
1944 became a momentous year for young Al, as he met Eleanor Kirbach, who had come west from Chicago with her family, also to work in the ship yards. So, these two youngsters met at work. They both turned 18 in October of '44, and married in November. (It would prove to be a long marriage, of 78 years.) Late in December of that year, Al got his draft notice, and thus the beginning of 32 years of service to his country and the U.S. Army and Air Force.

Al left for China after his basic training. Eleanor, who was pregnant at the time, stayed in Portland. He was back in '48, and was shortly on his way to Labrador. Back for leave, and out on his way again Korea had broken out in war. He was only supposed to be gone 60 days, but did not come back until December of '51. He had returned as a Master Sergeant. His next assignment was McChord AFB in Tacoma. Finally, Eleanor and little Charlotte could join him.

There were many Temporary Duty Assignments, but McChord stayed home base until January of 1960. The McChord years were momentous. Al was appointed a Warrant Officer, and thereafter became "Mr. D." In January 1960, another new chapter ensued orders for Wheelus AFB, Tripoli, Libya.Eleanor and Charlotte would also go what an adventure!

Three years pass, and it's on to Washington, DC. 196366 was an incredible time to be in Washington. Next stop, Kansas City. Fall of '67 was Al's first tour to Vietnam. Eleanor and Charlotte moved into the house that would be their "forever home" in Portland, Oregon. 1968 brought Al to San Antonio, Texas, and then back to Vietnam in May of 1970. 1971 brought the family to Germany they had a wonderful time finding relatives, immersing themselves in the culture, and learning the history of their ancestors.1975 brought Al back to McChord for his final assignment, and he retired in June of 1976

Through the years, Al was a devoted student of history. There is a phrase that reflects Al: "Duty's cry and country's call shall be conscience to us all." He saw his duty as not just to his country, but to very many the lonely, the poor, the children, the land; young, wandering souls, his church, friends, the elderly, and above all, his country and his family. He travelled the world, always learning (and only missing Antarctica.) He loved people, golf, his garden and drinking beer. His partner and loving wife Eleanor preceded him, passing away in December of 2022. He is survived by his daughter, Charlotte L.D. Cook; his grandson, Albert (Hilary) (they were the best of friends); two nieces; three nephews; and friends all over the world. Many thanks to the staff at Cedar Creek.

Services will be held on January 31, 2025. 11 a.m., honors, Willamette National Cemetery. 1 p.m., funeral services at Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 N. Rosa Parks Ave,.Portland, Ore.

Remembrances, American Legion, Canon Beach, Ore.