Alfred Bernard Buckneberg was born in Centerville on June 21, 1920 to Martin and Mable (Knudson) Buckneberg. He entered into death November 30, 2015 at Centerville Care and Rehab Center at the age of 95 years, five months and nine days. Alfred attended eight years of grade school at Riverside Country School before graduating from Centerville High School in 1939. He continued working with his father on the family farm. He enlisted in the US Army in 1942 and served with the Army Engineers during WWII.

Alfred married Ruth Olson at Camp Maxey in Paris, TX on July 19, 1944. While in the service his tour of duty included Hawaii, the Philippines and Japan. Following an honorable discharge at Ft. Leavenworth, KS in February 1946, Al and Ruth purchased a ranch and dairy near Black Hawk, SD where they lived for eight years. Four of their six children were born while living there. They then returned to the Centerville area to farm with his father and brother and continued to do so until his retirement in 1982.

He was baptized and confirmed at Scandia Lutheran Church. He later became a long time active member at Komstad Covenant Church. Al enjoyed reading; the Bible was his favorite book. Joining other WWII veterans on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC in 2010 was one of the highlights of his life. He also enjoyed traveling, coffee with friends and spending time with his family.

He is survived by the love of his life, Ruth, his wife of 71 years; four children, Barb (Larry) Hult of Brookings, Marge (Phil) Baldwin of Boerne, TX, Paul (Colleen) Buckneberg of Centerville and Marvin (Rhonda) Buckneberg of Sioux Falls; nine grandchildren, Scott (Jackie) Hult of Sioux Falls, Stephanie (Brian) Bultje of Volga, Jayson (Cathy) Baldwin of Garland, TX, Monica (Mark) Middleton of Boerne, TX, Sheila Gust of Centerville, Eric (Melissa) Buckneberg of Centerville, Adam (Katie) Buckneberg of Centerville, Ryan (Carol) Buckneberg of Worthing and Nathan (Lisa) Buckneberg of Worthing; 15 great-grandchildren, 11 step great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Marlys (Mrs. Vandahl) Buckneberg of Centerville and Berncie (Mrs. Robert) Olson of Sioux Falls, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

His parents, infant twin sisters, infant son, Dennis; son, Jerald (Jerry); brother, Vandahl, sisters-in-law, Audrey Olson, Marcella Peck and Kay Olson; brothers-in-law, Orville, Robert and Don Olson, Curvin (Toby) O'Rielly and Hugh Peck; nieces, Karen (Olson) Unruh, Marcia (Olson) Horst, Vickie (Buckneberg) Newberg; and a nephew, Curvin O'Rielly III preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be 2PM Friday at Komstad Covenant Church, rural Centerville. Visitation is 2-8PM Thursday at Wass Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 5-7PM and a 7PM prayer service.