RAPID CITY | Alfred Ray Winland Jr., 63, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

He was born June 23, 1952, to the late Alfred Winland Sr. and Raynell (Wetherall) Winland. He grew up in Boling, TX, where he played football for Boling High School. Al joined the United States Air Force in 1970. Al served during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He was stationed in various locations including South Dakota, Turkey, California, New Mexico, and the Azores.

He met the love of his life while stationed at Kirtland AFB, NM — Karla (Gorey) Winland. They were married on July 1, 1978. They added two daughters, Melissa and Brandi, to their little family which included his son, Warren. Al retired as a Master Sergeant with 23 years of service in 1993 at Ellsworth AFB.

Al enjoyed activities with his family and friends like camping and fishing. He loved the benefits of spoiling his beloved nine grandchildren, Shelby, Alyssa, Carson, Harry, Harley, Elena, Emilia, Averie, and Sage. He remained a loyal fan of his favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys. Al was a member of St Therese Parish and the Knights of Columbus Council 8025 with 4th degree honor.

He is survived by his wife, Karla Winland of Rapid City; three children, Warren Winland of Oakland CA, Melissa (John Walker) Lichtenberger of Spearfish, and Brandi Tillett of Rapid City; his mother, Raynell Winland of Boling, TX; stepfather, George Winland of Boling, TX; sister, Mary (Jim) Graham of Haley, AZ; two brothers, Stanley (Deb) Winland of Stoutland, MO, and Michael (Dana) Winland of Richmond, TX; sister-in-law, Karen Graham of Albuquerque, NM; brother-in-law, Larry (Pam) Hicks of Silverthorne, CO; nine beautiful grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Guill; and his brother, Ronnie Winland. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home, with a Christian wake service and rosary to follow at 7 p.m.

Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at St. Therese the Little Flower Church, with Rev. William Zandri presiding.

Interment will be at 1 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, with full military honors rendered by the Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard.