Alvin "Al" Barcheski (2008)

BARCHESKI, THORNBURG, GREEN

Posted By: Shirley Keating - Volunteer (email)
Date: 7/24/2009 at 21:50:50

Des Moines Register, Des Moines, Iowa
June 12, 2008

ALVIN "AL" BARCHESKI
Des Moines

Alvin Barcheski of Des Moines died Sunday, June 8, surrounded by family and friends at Kavanagh on 56th St. of complications from liver disease. He was 75.

Al was born July 24, 1932 in Larksville, Pennsylvania and grew up in a large Polish Catholic family. He graduated high school there then served as a cryptographer in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He attended broadcasting school and then worked in television production and management at WHO-TV in Des Moines from the late 1950's until the late 1970's. In January of 1960, he married Beverly Thornburg of Winterset and Des Moines, who also worked at WHO at the time. They had three children, Kathryn Ann, Janet Helen and Alvin H., Jr.

In 1979, he served as media coordinator for the Iowa visit of Pope John Paul II, issuing credentials and managing coverage from around the world. He was blessed to personally meet the Holy Father during that visit, an event which meant a great deal to him for the remainder of his life. Following the Pope's visit, he continued briefly in television production, then followed his lifelong hobby to become a freelance photographer. He worked in that capacity until the age of 74, retiring in December, 2006.

Al was a dedicated volunteer on behalf of Variety Club of Iowa for many years, donating countless hours to photograph events and activities. In 2007 he was honored as the Variety International Volunteer of the Year. He also enjoyed photographing sporting events, and was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees.

Alvin was preceded in death by his wife and his oldest daughter. He is survived by his daughter, Janet Green of Des Moines; son, Alvin, Jr. of Madison, Wisconsin; his longtime friend and companion, Chris Rich of Des Moines; his son-in-law, Steve Green; daughter-in-law, Margo Barcheski; granddaughter, Stephanie Green; grandson, Marlone Barcheski; and Chris' family all of whom were very special to him.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Variety Club of Iowa in Al's memory.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 17, 2008 with a Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High St. with burial at Glendale Cemetery.