Alvin C. Wernimont, 67, of 2722 Bankston Dr., died Monday, May 14, 2018. A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Westview Funeral Home and Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd.

Alvin was born on December 19, 1950 in Dubuque, Iowa, the son of Walter and Lois (Gilligan) Wernimont. He attended St. Columbkille Elementary until 8th grade, and for the last few years he loved to attend concerts, Grand Parent’s Day, or any event there with his grandson Jackson. He also attended Dubuque Senior High School for a few days, but then someone told him what to do and that was the end of that.

Alvin didn’t need a degree to be successful. He was a legend in the swimming pool business where he worked for most of his life, most recently as the founder of Alvin’s Pool and Spa in 1999. Everyone knew Alvin, but many probably didn’t even know he had a last name. And everyone that knew him had a story about him. He truly loved the work and the people. His customers became his friends and he could talk with them for hours. He was an extremely hard worker - he worked 7 days a week in rain, snow, or blistering heat to get the job done right. He had a sharp mind and loved to fix things and solve problems, although his methods may have been unconventional at times. In the end, Alvin left this world doing what he loved – working on a swimming pool.

Alvin should have written a book about his life, but it probably wouldn’t be fit for publishing. In his younger days, he enjoyed bowling, gambling, motorcycles, demolition derbies, speeding and general mischief. He had an exterior of steel but inside he was not nearly as tough as he acted. He eventually settled down, and some of his greatest joys were taking Jackson shopping for Nerf guns, doing burnouts for Ben, and letting them both drink Mountain Dew and do anything else their mother disapproved of.

Surviving are his daughters Katie (Andy) Thomas of Dubuque and their sons Jackson and Benjamin and Sadie (Jeff) Fick of Mason City and their daughters Delia and Brenna; his significant other Deb Callahan and her daughters Carrie (Jon) Welu of Dubuque and Laurie Callahan of Galena, IL; 7 grandchildren; his siblings Linda (Lynn) Johnsen of Lodi, WI, Sandi (Bob) Johnsen and Jim (Rhonda) Wernimont both of Dubuque, Kenny (Karen) Wernimont of Davenport, IA and Tom Wernimont of Dubuque; and many nieces and nephews, including his favorite nephew, Travis.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be given to Albrecht Acres where he took care of the pool for many years for only the satisfaction of seeing the campers enjoy it.

Alvin’s family wish to thank Katie Harris and the staff at Mercy Medical Center ER for their care, compassion and support. They would also like to thank Dr. Andrea Ries and Dr. Martin Bagby for their excellent care along the way– there is no doubt that he spent a few extra years with us because of you.