Obituary published on Legacy.com by Knapp Funeral Home - Cissna Park on Jun. 4, 2026.
Alfred (Al) Leonard Gudeman 80 passed away @ Carle Foundation Hospital on June 3rd, 2026. He had renal failure and a stroke. He was a former resident of
San Diego, CA. and had moved to Cissna Park May 1st, 2026 to be close to family. He was a native of Cissna Park before going to CA.
He was born on July 15, 1945, and is survived by 10 siblings of the Leonard and Louise Gudeman family. Sisters surviving are Sara (George) Melton,
Chandler, AZ, Esther Andreas, Bourbonnais, Judy Edelman, Pontiac, Edna (Jerry) Cluver, Leah (Lyle) Joy-Oberg,
Cottonwood, AZ, B. Jean Robra, Norden, Germany, Aldine (Scott) Blunier, Pensacola, Fla. Brothers surviving are John (Sandy) Gudeman,
Wildwood, MO, Dan (Myrna) Gudeman,
Florence, OR, and David Gudeman, Watseka, as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Charles, Joseph, and Samuel, and sister Mary Lou, his brother –in-law Paul Andreas, his sister-in-law, Debbie Gudeman, his niece Stacy Cluver, and his nephew John Edelman.
Al graduated from Ambassador College in Pasadena, CA, majoring in accounting. He later obtained a second degree in nutrition. He served in the US Army in Germany when he was 30. After that he created and worked in his own construction cleaning business called Brite-Way Building Maintenance in San Diego and employed several employees.
Al is remembered for his sense of humor, helping many people in need, loving a good glass of beer, priding himself for still doing physical work at the age of 80, listening to Alan Jackson gospel songs, and definitely living life in his own way. He had just moved back to Cissna Park on May 1st, 2026, after completing a 2,149 mile solo road trip, including stops to see his sister Sara in
Chandler, AZ, his sister Leah in
Cottonwood, AZ, and his brother John in
St. Louis, MO. Once in Cissna Park he connected with his sister Edna (his new neighbor), his sister Esther, his brother David, and various nieces and nephew.
One of the greatest stories of Al's life is that he ran away from home at age 16 on his motor cycle and joined a circus crew. After he arrived home a few months later, he was crowned prom king that year.
A visitation for Al will be held at Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park on Monday, June 8th from 9-11. A memorial service will be conducted following his visitation @ 11am. Pastor Steve Hall will be officiating. Military rites will be accorded after the service.
Knapp Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Christian Bible Church.
One of Al's favorite sayings was "To God be the Glory".
