Alfred F. ""Al"" Schwinghammer

Alfred Frank Schwinghammer, age 82, of Aurora, Colorado died surrounded by his family after a long struggle with cancer on June 1, 2018 at The Denver Hospice. Alfred was born January 23, 1936 in St. Paul Minnesota, son of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Schwinghammer and brother of Kenneth. As a young man, Alfred worked hard on the family farm until he graduated from Salk Rapids High School in 1954 and then enlisted in the United States Army. Alfred cherished a long and distinguished military career serving in the 11th Airborne Division, 10th Special Forces Group Airborne, and in 1967 was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for “daring courage, outstanding judgement, and ability as an aviator preventing an enemy victory and saving the lives of many.” Those words profoundly and prophetically described Alfred as a soldier, husband, father, brother, and friend. Alfred retired from the military in 1977 as a Major. He returned to civilian life moving to Colorado with his family where he continued his formal education and successfully transitioned into management in both the banking and real estate industries. Alfred was the beloved husband of Diana; loving father of Gregory (deceased 2002), Inez, Patrick and Michelle; grandfather of Mia, Gabe, Joshua, Erik, and Alex; loving step-father to Michelle and Mark Mitchell; and step-grandfather of Nicole, Brody, and Mischa. Alfred will be laid to rest on June 29 at 1:15pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. It was Alfred’s final wish to be laid to rest in his flight suit. A reception will follow at Heather Gardens in Aurora.