ROCKFORD — Alan Dale “Curly” Krahenbuhl, Sr., 89, of Rockford, passed away Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018, unexpectedly. Curly was born May 26, 1928, the son of Rudolph and Selma (Vesta) Krahenbuhl, on their family farm in Lee County.
Curley met his wife Jacquelyn “Jackie” McDowell at the Dairy Queen in Rochelle. They were married on June 20, 1954, in Rochelle. Family was the foundation on which they built their life together and he will be missed by his five children.
Curly was the sixth of seven children and only five when his father passed away from polio in December of 1933.  This left a huge void and had a profound impact on his life. The younger children, including Curly, were often taken in by other family members while their mother worked various jobs. He loved the summer trips he would take with his mother, by bus, to California to visit his older sisters.
School was challenging for Curly; with permission of his mother, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving in World War II, stationed on the USS Midway in the Mediterranean. He was a proud veteran; and one of the highlights of his life was a tour of the USS Midway, now a museum docked in San Diego, Calif., arranged by his son.
After his discharge, he tried several “occupations” until he discovered his true calling and exceptional gift of carpentry and building. Together with his wife, they built a successful partnership; remodeling and building beautiful custom homes throughout Rockford. Curly was a proud member of the Local Carpentry Union receiving his 50-year anniversary pin in 2016.
Curly was a strong man with a soft heart. He was happiest when he was “doing” projects for just about everyone in his life; his expression of his love. His health was ultimately affected by the work he loved; but you never heard him complain. His work ethic and sheer determination left a lasting impression on many but especially on his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include his children, Victoria (John) Saunders of Rockford, Melanie Guse of Rockford, Karla (Carl) Bloom of Chesapeake, Va., Lisa (Mitch) Lee of Lincoln, Neb., and Alan (Stephanie) Krahenbuhl of San Diego, Calif.; his true pride and joy, his grandchildren, “adopted” step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Kyle Peck, Noah Saunders, Beth Hague, Emma and Karra, Andy (Darcell) Saunders, Jaleel, Adam, Jemie and Joey, Peter (Kim) Guse, Daniel Guse, David Guse, Jessica Bloom, Justin Bloom, Brandon Morris-Lee, Bryce (Sarah) Lee and Sophia, Sadie and Braydon, Alexandra Lee, and Alan Lee; sister-in-law, Ayn Masilko of Beaverton, Ore.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife; parents; six siblings and their spouses; grandson-in-law, Gary Hague; and niece, Theresa Masilko.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 3, in Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1829 North Rockton Ave., Rockford.  Private burial will be in Lawn Ridge Cemetery, Rochelle. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, March 2, in the church in the fireside room.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., of Loves Park.
Visit www.delehantyfh.com.