Alvin ('Al') James Purrington was born on March 2, 1941 in Windom to the late Lowell and Agnes (Rehnelt) Purrington. He was baptized and confirmed in Windom. He lived in Montrose, South Dakota as a child for a few years. His family later returned to Windom and he graduated from Windom Area High School in the Class of 1959. He then attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He moved to Minneapolis and began working at Gold Bond Stamp Company in Minneapolis. He joined the Army Reserves and spent 6 months at Fort Knox, Kentucky, following up with two-week summer stents and some weekends for six years. In 1963, Al was united in marriage to Ann Louise Siebels in Perham. This marriage was blessed with two adopted children and one biological child. Al was an avid sports fan and he especially enjoyed watching his children participate in school activities and sports. He enjoyed watching the Twins, the Vikings and golf matches on TV along with being a big Gophers' fan. In 1972, Al and Ann moved to Wilder where they purchased a business from Art Vaughan and re-named it Wilder Fertilizer Company. In 1979, Al and Ann moved to a country home near Windom, and in February of 1981, they sold the fertilizer business. In August 1981, Al began working as the Streets and Parks' Superintendent for the City of Windom and won the Mayor's Medal of Honor for his work. Later they cleaned the St. Frances Xavier Church for about one year before retiring. In May 2001, they moved to 3rd Avenue in Windom and in September 2016 they moved to their current home on 11th Street in Windom. Al was a longtime member of St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church in Windom and he was an Honorary Member of the Knights of Columbus. Al passed away peacefully on Monday evening, April 6th, 2020, at Good Samaritan Society-Sogge Memorial in Windom at the age of 79 years. Al is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ann Purrington of Windom; three children, Craig (Kathy) Purrington of Windom; Laurie (Aaron) Butler of Onalaska, WI; Jeffrey (Amy) Purrington of Eagan; six grandchildren, Naomi and Cole Purrington; Garrett and Grace Butler and Isy and Elsie Purrington; brothers, Dennis (Kathy) Purrington and Gene Purrington of Windom; brother-in-law, Roger Busse of Mountain Lake; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Al is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Judy Busse; sister-in-law, Mary Guck; and his in-laws, Joseph and Frances Siebels. Al will be remembered as a good manager, a kind and honest person, a treasured friend, and a loving husband, father and grandfather. Blessed be the memory of Al Purrington.