Alfred William Joensen (1930-2018)
JOENSEN, SIMINGTON, FRANKLIN, HANSEN, BOROWSKI
Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:14
Obituary From Adams Soderstrum Funeral Home, Story County, Iowa.
Alfred William Joensen passed away on Thursday May 10th, 2018 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, surrounded by the love of his family.
Al was born July 24th, 1930 in New York City. He grew up in the Bronx, New York, and graduated from Stuyvesant High School in 1948. He attended City College of New York from 1948 – 1950. At CCNY, Al was on the varsity football and lacrosse teams. In 1951, Al joined the Air Force, became a navigator, and flew missions all over the world. After active duty, Al served in the Air Force Reserve for 28 years and retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Al enrolled at Iowa State, graduating in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Al was hired as an instructor at Iowa State while simultaneously enrolled in graduate school. He earned his master’s degree, also in ME, in 1965. He served on the faculty at ISU until he retired Jan 1st, 1999, and was granted the title of Associate Professor Emeritus in Mechanical Engineering.
Al’s areas of research and teaching were power plant design, thermodynamics, and alternative fuels. He was actively involved in the refuse-to-energy movement in the 1970s, evidenced by his research, consulting, and speaking engagements, correlating with the opening of the Ames Resource Recovery Plant. He served on the Ames Utility Board for many years.
On August 17th, 1959, Al married Marilyn Simington in Waterloo, IA. They resided in Ames throughout their 58-year marriage, where they raised four sons and a daughter.
From 1959-1976 Al was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, where he served as usher and minister. From 1976 until his death, Al was a member of St. Cecilia Parish. There he was an usher, a minister to the sick and homebound, and a member of the Facilities Committee. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Al was a big supporter of both Ames High and Iowa State Athletics. For many years he worked as a timer for ISU Track Meets. Al also served as a simulated patient for the University of Iowa College of Medicine for many years.
Al greatly enjoyed traveling around the USA and Europe with his wife and children. His family has many great memories of their various adventures throughout the years.
Al is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of Ames, IA, and his five children: Father William Joensen, of Dubuque, IA; Dave Joensen, of Ames, IA; Mark A. Joensen, and his son Liam, and stepson Brandon of Greensburg, PA; Ellen Franklin (Hugh Hansen), and her children Natalie, Max, and Timothy, of Iowa City, IA; and Tom (Jennifer) Joensen, and their children Michael and Olivia of Ankeny, IA. Al is also survived by his brother-in-law Rev. Monsignor Ralph Simington, of Waterloo, IA, and his nephews and their families.
Al was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Wanda Joensen, and his sister Ellen Borowski.
Visitation will be held at St Cecilia’s Church from 4:00-7:00 pm followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 pm on Monday May 14th. Visitation will also be on Tuesday, May 15th, from 10:30-11:45 am at St Cecilia’s followed by the Funeral Mass at 12:00 noon. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Waterloo, IA.
Memorial offerings may be made to the Archdiocese of Dubuque Seminary Education Fund, 1229 Mt. Loretta Ave, PO Box 479, Dubuque IA 52004.
Al’s family would like to thank the care teams at Mary Greeley Medical Center and Northridge Villa Care Center for their compassionate, and professional support throughout his illness. They would especially like to thank Dr. Berryhill, Dr. Spencer and the exceptional nursing staff at MGMC for their caring and assistance during his final days.
Adams Funeral Home in Ames is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and photos may be shared at www.adamssoderstrum.com © 2018 Soderstrum Reimers Inc.
http://www.adamssoderstrum.com/
Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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