Harold A. “Hurdy” Alt
Harold A. “Hurdy” Alt, age 95, of Shelby, died peacefully Sunday morning, July 14, 2024 at his home. His death follows a multi-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease which never took away his sense of humor, contagious laughter, or love for family.
Hurdy was born October 17, 1928 in Columbus Grove, Putnam County, Ohio to the late Arthur W. and Elizabeth (Nadler) Alt. A veteran of the United States Navy, Hurdy served for two years during the Korean Conflict running the motor whale boat on the USS Hickox. Throughout his life, he enjoyed several reunions with his Navy buddies. A lifelong farmer, he began farming in Columbus Grove. On April 16, 1955 he married the former Phyllis I. Altstaetter in Kalida at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Following their union, they moved to Galion for four years before settling in the Shelby area from Putnam County for farmland. Together they raised their family, tended to their farm, and enjoyed many life adventures. He so very much enjoyed farming with his two sons, Keith and Brian, and later with his grandsons, Shawn, Scott, and Colin, who were always such a big help and part of the farm. Hurdy loved the land and the gifts that God gave him to tend to it.
Hurdy was a member of several organizations throughout his life. First and foremost, he was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby where he served as an usher for many years and a lifetime member of the Shelby Knights of Columbus #1968 where he was a 3rd Degree Knight, member of the Knicol Committee, and was a part of the “pit-crew” for BBQ chicken dinners. Additionally, Hurdy was a lifetime member of the Shelby American Legion and Shelby VFW. An avid golfer, he was proud to have had a hole-in-one at Woody Ridge Golf Course in Shelby and was a devout Detroit Tigers fan his entire life.
Hurdy and Phyllis spent their winters in Florida for 47 years- 25 of those years in Sebring where they built a home. It was there that they met new friends golfing at Harder Hall Golf Course and at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. Hurdy also enjoyed playing euchre and deer hunting in Ft. Loudon, PA for many years with his Navy buddy, Bob Kreigline, and many Shelby friends. Hurdy and Phyllis always enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. Together they truly had a wonderful life and made many good memories.
Hurdy is survived by his wife of 69 years, Phyllis, and their children: Keith (Nancy) Alt of Shelby, Brian (Karen) Alt of Shelby, Brenda Williams (Jim Brush) of Columbus, Janice Alt of Shelby, Chris Alt (Josh Peterson) of Ashland, and Angie (Gary) Vogt of Shelby; grandchildren: Scott (Brooke) Alt, Jeff Alt, Katie (Rob) Putnam, Shawn (Jennie) Alt, Veronica (Tyler) Distl, Alex (Brooke) Alt, Austin (Jenna) Alt, Jessica (Avigit) Roy, Jennifer (George) Colasaco, Blake (Stephanie) Edington, Kaylah (Christopher) Fulk, Kirby Vogt, and Allie Vogt; great grandchildren: Cameron, Collins, and Tyson Alt, Payton, Paxton, Karlen, Rhett, and Korie Putnam, Rudy and Landrie Alt, Lincoln and Lucas Distl, Addi and Mason Alt, Florence Roy, Juliette, Adelyn, and Luke Colasaco, Whitney Vanderpool (Chandler Durbin) , Leah and Jessie Vanderpool (Lauren), Kyle and Karissa Rowlinson, Olivia and Zoe Edington, Ryan Gardner, Landon and Alaina Fulk, and Payson O’Shell; great great grandchildren: River, Raina, and Radd Durbin, and one more on the way; sister: Teresa Shinabery; brothers: Frank (Vera) Alt and Arthur Alt, Jr.; sister-in-law: Ursula Alt; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Hurdy was preceded in death by his grandchildren: Colin Vanderpool and Shannon Vanderpool; great granddaughter: Layne Vanderpool; and siblings: Marie (Willie) Niese, Jim Alt, Kenny (Dolly) Alt, Dean Alt, and Bill (Pat) Alt; and in-laws: Junior Shinabery and Ruth Alt.
The family would like to thank his special caregiver, Cheyenne Malicoate, who so respectfully cared for Hurdy over the past three years. Additionally, his Southern Care Hospice team was such a blessing and Janet Kehres so faithfully brought communion each week- along with special treats.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 4-8 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a vigil service will be held at 8 pm. Additionally there will be calling hours the morning of Hurdy’s funeral mass, Friday, July 19, 2024 from 9-10 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby, Ohio 44875. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the mass with burial following in the church cemetery with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the church or Southern Care Hospice and left in care of the funeral home.
Online condolences may be left on Hurdy’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellTurner.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral).
To view Hurdy’s Tribute Video, click the provided link: Hurdy’s Tribute Video.
Dear Aunt Phyllis, Keith, Brian,Brenda,Janice, Chris ,and Angie, my heart goes out to you all. Uncle Hurdy was one of a kind. Cherish the memories. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest In Peace Uncle Hurdy
God Bless
Hurdie’s sense of humor was awesome. Phyllis and Hurdy leave everyone they meet in life with special memories. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
To all the Alt Family, so sorry for your loss and condolences to all the family. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU AND YOURS ALWAYS!!!
Our sincere condolences goes out to the whole Alt family. Hurdy was a great guy. He had that contagious smile. Prayers for comfort to get thru this difficult time. Hugs❤️❤️ Rod and Rosie Detillion
You have my sincere sympathy as you celebrate the life of your father. You had such a great family too grow up in. Your father was one in a million!
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all in your great loss….May Our heart-felt sympathy; & Thanksgiving for his life well lived bring you Jesus’s Comfort & Peace….
Take Care, Phyllis & entire Alt family
I met this man and I believe that he never met anyone he disliked…..always ready to shake your hand…he was a gentleman…nobody felt like they were not getting enough attention from him….to him everyone was trusting…and you always felt that you part of the family….what a great person
To the Alt family. We are sorry for your loss.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
My condolences go out to the entire Alt family. I’m sure the memories your family has made will carry you through this difficult time.
Our sincere condolences and prayers to the Alt family. Hurdy was easy to laugh and had a great infectious laugh.
Sincere condolences to the Alt Family for your loss. Are Thoughts and Prayers are with you.
To the entire Alt Family. Our sincere sympathy goes out to you allHold onto all those precious memories. Heaven gained another angel! Hugs
Russ and Betty Newland
To the Alt family,
Our sincere condolences and prayers go out to the Alt family. May God hold you in his loving embrace during your time of sorrow. Hugs & prayers to you all.
Pam & Pat Beaver
Sorry to hear about your lost he was a good neighbor it is hard to lose a parent prayers are with you
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Hurdy always had a smile and a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to the Alt family. Harold was one of my first customers I worked with many years ago when I was young and green starting my career in ag retail. I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to know and work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dear Alt family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Hurdy was always such a nice man which I remember way back to when we were young kids at St. Mary’s. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Dear Phyllis and family….our hearts go out to each of you on the passing of Hurdy. We were deeply saddened to hear of the news but happy that he is now in the arms of Jesus. We will not be able to physically be present with you on Friday but know we are with you in spirit. Many prayers for peace and comfort today and in the days ahead. Love you all and rest in peace, uncle Hurdy.
Phyllis and family,
I was so sad to see Hurdy has passed. You and Hurdy were such good friends to my parents and so kind and gracious to Tony and I❤️. I hope the thousands of good memories and the wonderful family you have created will bring you comfort. I am sure he is playing euchre and golf with Dad and Mom and all there friends in heaven. Well done! God’s good and faithful servant.
Jackie and Tony
Hate to hear about a great person I admired. Still remember playing cards together. Hate that I’m not able to be there to see everyone.
Phyllis and Family, we are very sad to hear of Hurdy’s passing. Hurdy was a great friend for many many many years. We will surely miss seeing him when we visit Shelby. Our sympathies to all of the Alt family. Hugs Dan and Michelle Brown
My condolences to the Alt family. You had such a wonderful role model in your father. I know there will be a huge void in your lives, but remember all the good times. Hugs to all of you.
So Sorry
Love and Prayers ❣️