Alan Chandler

ALAN CHANDLER

     Alan L Chandler, 78, of Hixton (York area) passed away August 27, 2022 at Dove Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Osseo under the care of hospice and surrounded by family.

     Alan was born June 12, 1944, to Wayne and Laura (Christianson) Chandler in Black River Falls. He was one of nine children. He grew up in the Hixton area and attended school in Hixton.

     After school, he worked with his brother, Kenny, on his milk routes. Later he moved to Kenosha where he worked in a factory, then moved to Eau Claire and worked for Presto Industries until they closed.

     On Dec. 13, 1976, he welcomed his second daughter, Becky, into the world, then rushed out the door to take his CDL test in Black River Falls. He was proudly handing out cigars to the employees at the DMV. He passed his test that day, but Donna still thinks that if Becky had been a boy, he would have been too excited to pass. But he did, and that led to his long career as a truck driver.

     He started out driving for Hart Tie & Lumber out of Black River Falls. From there, he went to Millis Transfer.  After 32 years with Millis Transfer and over three million miles later, he decided to “retire” in 2010. Once “retired,” he went to work “part-time” driving grain truck for Trinity Farms out of Blair, until illness forced him to stop.  It was at that time he began the toughest battle of his life. 

     In 1965, he got the dreaded certified letter from Uncle Sam. He served for the United States Army from 1965-1967, spending a year in Vietnam. In 1968, he met the love of his life, Donna, on a blind date. They later married on June 26, 1971, and welcomed two daughters, Crystal and Becky, into the world. 

     Alan is survived by his loving wife of over 51 years, Donna; daughters Crystal (Dave) Peterson of DePere, WI, and Becky (Justin) Chandler of Hixton, WI; two granddaugters, Sara (Brett) Peterson and Kelli Peterson; a great-grandson, Riddick; and great-granddaughter, Audrey; sisters Joyce Olson and Phyllis Gunderson; brothers Lyle (Elaine), Richard (Raye) and Michael (Evelyn); sister-in-law Sue Chandler; Aunt Esther Mathison; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Kenneth and Jerry; sister Dorothy; nephew Duane; niece Barb; and several aunts and uncles.

     Alan was a very courageous man, fighting each battle with everything he had. He never complained, never shed a tear, just did what he knew he needed to do. His will to fight kept going until the very end. 

     Funeral services for Alan will be Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, 128 S. Hoffman St., Hixton, WI. Reverend Terry Marg will officiate. Friends and family are invited to visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service and also Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will immediately follow at the Pigeon Creek Cemetery. 

     The Jensen- Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements 715-963-2311.