Alfred (“Al”) F. Kudela, a resident of Mariposa for 35 years, passed peacefully into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ on Aug. 14 at the age of 96.
He and his family were extremely grateful for the in-home care and support provided by the team from St. Mary’s Hospice of Fresno.
Al was born in Dearborn, Mich., on July 25, 1930, to John and Stella Kudela. He and his wife of 70 years, Lil, had lived in California since 1953, where they raised five children.
Al Kudela was an electrical engineer and physicist in defense and space projects, before opening the family-owned Monk’s Retreat restaurant in Saratoga, Calif. Al’s lifetime passion for photography continued in his retirement years in Mariposa, and he was active in the local photography community.
His favorite way of befriending or thanking others was through sharing a small package of his photo note cards, created primarily from his original pictures of Yosemite landscapes and local flowers.
The other hallmarks of Al’s character for which he will be remembered were his deep faith and intentionality in living as a disciple of Jesus Christ, his committed church membership and his unwavering love for his family.
Al is survived by his children, Alene (Stephen) Burgert, Marcia (Michael) Barrett, Bryan Kudela, Paula (Richard) Shively and Martin (Tammy) Kudela.
He is also survived by 11 grandchildren — Kristin (Barrett) Geddes, Jeanette (Barrett) Kudela, Joseph Barrett, Rebecca Kudela, Hanna Kudela, Kevin Shively, Benjamin Shively, “G” Shively, Geordanne Shively, Wesley Kudela and Phillip Kudela; as well as many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, in July 2022; parents, John and Stella Kudela; and his siblings, Leo Kudela, John Kudela and Stella Kimberley.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at New Life Calvary Chapel (Bootjack) at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12. Colorful, casual attire is encouraged for the celebration.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, donations be made toward Manna House (5127 Charles Street, Mariposa 95338) or Mountain Crisis Services (5075 Highway 140 Suite C, Mariposa 95338).
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