Albert F. Foupht

Albert Foupht was an intelligent man whose knowledge was predominantly self-taught through his perseverance, strong work ethic, and his perfectionist tendencies. He was a devoted family man who realized that good communication was the key to the fulfilling family relationships he enjoyed. Albert was blessed to build a family with the love of his life for many years, but was happy to be able to find love and companionship for a second time. It was easy to see that Alberts children and grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. He found his greatest fulfillment truly came in the moments in which he was surrounded by the warm company of his family. As WWI erupted overseas, President Woodrow Wilson formerly announced Americas neutrality during the year 1914. It was also a year in which Mothers Day was created, Ty Cobb was a dominant name in the world of baseball, and cars were becoming more affordable for all Americans. There was also great reason to celebrate in the home of Murl and Lillian (Stark) Foupht as it was in this same year that they welcomed the birth of their son, Albert Frederick, on December 6th in Traverse City, Michigan. Albert was the oldest child in his family who was later joined by sister Elsie and brother Morrie. His father was a Baptist minister while his mother was a homemaker. While he was still quite young, Albert moved with his family to Muskegon. Albert spent the rest of his formative years in Muskegon where he established many of the interests that he would enjoy throughout his life. From an early age family was of great importance to Albert and some of his happiest times were spent camping and fishing with his family. Gathering with their extended family to celebrate holidays or other special occasions also topped his list. Albert also liked sports of all kinds as a young boy and even participated in numerous sports himself. He attended Muskegon Public Schools where he established many friendships through his involvement on various sports teams. He was even part of the Muskegon Reds varsity football team of 1929-1930 having finished his formal schooling after his 11th grade year at Muskegon High School. It was also as a young man that Alberts self determination and natural intelligence took shape as well since he taught himself algebra and trigonometry no easy feat. With his schooling behind him, Albert was ready to embark on the next phase in his life. He would marry a lady by the name of Gertrude but the marriage ended after a time. He found work at Reo Motors in Lansing where he made tanks and trucks to support the war effort as WWII raged on overseas during the early forties. It was also through Alberts work at Reo that he met the young woman with whom he would build a lasting legacy. Her name was Ethel Ankney and after dating for a time, the couple was married and initially settled in Mason. Albert and Ethel were blessed with the births of eight children together: Dick, Lois Jean, Ron, Barbara, Sandy, Albert, Tom, and Larry. As a father Albert was able to balance being strict when needed with being loving and caring too. He worked hard as a tool and die maker in order to provide for his family, and they moved to San Diego, California in 1952 where he worked on F-105 and X-15 experimental fighter jets at Convair. Albert was even present when the first plane broke the sound barrier! There were many precious memories that Albert made with his family through the years that will be forever treasured. They took several trips together to various locations throughout Michigan and also to Yosemite Falls, Morro Bay, California, and Bakersfield, California. Looking back over their relationship with their father, his children consider the most precious moments to be the ones in which Albert shared his passion for bowing with them, teaching them each to bowl. In the early seventies, Albert and his family moved back to Michigan, settling in Spring Lake where he built his home with the help of his sons. He then worked at Clarke Floor Machine where he also served as the union president. Albert remained with Clarke until he retired in 1981. There were many activities that Albert enjoyed as an adult. He was a gifted baseball player he was even scouted by the Chicago Cubs in 1944. Albert was also a talented professional bowler who belonged to the Professional Bowlers Association and a bowling pro shop owner as well. During his retirement years, Albert had even more time to pursue some additional interests. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and traveling. Albert was also quite social and he conducted retiree meetings and arranged many parties for his group. Retirement also provided Albert the time he needed to complete building his Spring Lake home. Spending time with family was always one of his favorite ways to spend his time, however, especially when his family grew to include grandchildren. Albert also enjoyed the companionship of their dogs over the years, most notably Princess, Penny, and Precious. Life drastically changed for Albert with the death of his beloved Ethel in 1998. He was blessed to find love again, however, with a woman named Jane Timmer whom he also married. Albert was deeply saddened some time later with her death as well. Albert Foupht was man of great character who was always a leader rather than a follower. Although he never formerly served his country in the military, he was involved in supporting the military through his work and he was so proud of his four sons who did serve. Albert was a sports enthusiast who was a talented athlete himself, but his favorite place to be was wherever his family was gathered. Albert lived a long and fulfilling life and his family and friends will forever cherish the moments they were given to share with such a remarkable man. Albert F. Foupht died Friday, November 20, 2009. Alberts family includes his sons, Richard (Joreen) Foupht, Ron Foupht, Thomas Foupht, and Larry (Mary) Foupht; daughters, Lois Jean (Dave) Demonbeun, Barbara Hall, and Sandra Sargent; daughter-in-law, Shirley Vogt; step children, Jack, Fred, Mary, and JoAnne; 39 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Elsie Greeno. He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Ethel; second wife, Jane; son, Albert, and brother, Morrie. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2009, 11:00 a.m. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Grand Haven location - Grand Haven, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution St. Jude Children's Hospital.