Alfred Tollef Hays

MADISON-Alfred T. Hays passed away on Thursday, May 26, 2016, at his home after a brief illness. He was born on March 16, 1933, in Soldiers Grove to Alfreda (Fortun) Hays and Howard T. Hays. Al was baptized on June 20, 1933, in Viroqua, and was confirmed on April 25, 1948, at Bethel Lutheran Church. He finished his grade school education at Lowell Elementary and graduated from East High School on June 15, 1951. Al was drafted in to the U.S. Army on March 26, 1953. His basic training was served at Fort Lewis, Wash., from there to Camp Baker where he took Military Police Training. However, he ended up serving as a clerk typist at the transportation section at Camp Irewin, outside Barstow, Calif. He returned home in March of 1955 to work at Rayovac where he met his bride to be, Margie Hanna. They were married on Sept. 3, 1955. Al worked as a pin setter and bartender part-time while employed as a letter carrier. He retired from the post office in 1988, then worked for Zenith Administrators until May of 1994. Al was an avid bowler, golfer and card player. He loved taking trips, but his main love was his family. Al is survived by his wife, Margie; his daughter, Deb (Steve) DiSalvo; son, James (Jody) Hays; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and half-sister, Sandra. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, with Pastor Scot Sorenson presiding, and with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church or Agrace HospiceCare. Special thanks go to Nicole, Loretta, Sarah and others at Agrace HospiceCare for their wonderful care and to Pastor Scot for his visits and prayers. Al was dearly loved by many and will be greatly missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420