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Alphonse’s Obituary
Alphonse Dechant, beloved husband of Patricia Dechant, of Edmonton, Alberta, formally of High Level, Alberta, passed away peacefully at Touchmark Retirement Home in Edmonton, on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025 at the age of 86 years old.
He will forever be missed by his children: Bev Gray of Canmore, AB; Danny Dechant (Carol) of Grande Prairie, AB; Wayne Dechant (Olga) of Calgary, AB; Doug Dechant (Melanie) of Sturgeon County, AB; as well as his grandchildren Jane Gray, James Gray, Trae Lanti, Clay Lapp (Brittany), Sidney Conlon (Corey), Braidyn Lapp, Logan Dechant, Alyssa Dechant and Drew Dechant.
Alphonse is survived by his sisters, Irene Zetaruk of Vernon, BC; Angela Knieval of Manning, AB; Lena Walisser of Manning, AB; Pauline (Don) Tomkinson of Calgary, AB and brother, Raymond (Heather) of Edmonton, AB; as well as sisters-in-law Betty Dechant & Sheila Dechant; as well as many nieces and nephews, along with their families. Too many to mention but remembered fondly.
Alphonse was predeceased by his parents Peter and Rosa, sister Mary & brother-in-law Lynn Teige, sister Anne, & brother-in-law Stuart Hopkins, brother-in-law Joseph Schneider, brother-in-law John Zetaruk, sister Catherine (Katie) & brother-in-law Ernie, sister Freida & brother-in-law Steven, brother Philip & sister-in-law Evelyn, brother Alec, brother John, brother-in-law Donald Knievel, brother Alvis & sister-in-law Saundra, and brother-in-law Edwin Walisser.
Alphonse, was the 11th child of 14 born to Peter and Rosa Dechant. He was born in Friedenstal, AB on October 24th, 1938. At 21 years old Alphonse was the youngest post master in Canada, which he was very proud of. Alphonse married Patricia Furtak on June 20, 1962 where they managed the grocery store in Manning. In 1972, they moved to High Level where Alphonse worked in Rainbow Lake operating a tandem dump truck. Soon after, he started Dechant Construction. Then, shortly after that, he started Dechant Logging with brothers Alex & Alvis. In 1985, he started his “hobby farm” which grew into 24 quarters. He found great pleasure in farming. In 1988, he started Garden River Logging; logging was definitely his true passion. In 1993, he became a proud founding member of Manning Diversified Forest Products. Alphonse was not afraid of hard work and loved helping others achieve success. He had a strong faith and was committed to giving back to his Northern Communities.
He earned his pilot’s license at the age of 40 years old and continued to fly well into his 70’s. At the age of 60, he decided that wings weren’t enough and went for his motorcycle license. He enjoyed many hours riding his motorcycles alone or with friends.
He semi-retired in 2005 and took up golfing. Winters were spent in Yuma, Arizona, where he insisted that once he and Patricia were both retired that it was now his job to do the dishes. Summers were split between Fairmont, BC and High Level, AB. Alphonse and Pat were fortunate enough to travel many places in the world with their siblings and friends, including many trips to Eagle Point Lodge deep sea fishing.
In 2021, they moved to St. Albert, AB where they lived for a few years before moving into an assisted living facility in Edmonton, where many games of crib were enjoyed.
Alphonse spent his life lovingly referring to Pat as “the boss”. Their marriage was an inspiration and lesson in love, respect and loyalty. He will be greatly missed.
A Graveside Committal will take place at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Notikewin, Alberta of Friday March 14, 2024.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories
Edmonton arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley St. Albert Funeral Home.
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October 24 1938 March 5 2025
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Peace River, Province: Alberta
death notice Alphonse Dechant October 24 1938 March 5 2025
obituaries notice Alphonse Dechant October 24 1938 March 5 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Alphonse Dechant October 24 1938 March 5 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
