Obituary of Allen L. Anlauf

Allen L. Anlauf, 88, of Cambridge, MN passed peacefully on January 29, 2016 in his home with his family by his side. Born in St. Paul to Allen M. Anlauf and Margaret C. (Walsh) on November 18, 1927; second oldest of five siblings; graduated from Wilson High School in 1945. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was training for deployment to the Pacific when the war ended. He married Mary Elizabeth Richgels on June 19, 1954 at St. Columba Catholic Church in St. Paul. They had seven children. Al worked as a district sales manager for Cities Service Oil Company, which became Gulf Oil Company. Over the years the family lived in Des Moines, IA, Oklahoma City, OK, and Burlington, IA. In 1969 Al bought his own business in Cambridge, MN, so he moved their family one last time, and purchased Mille Lacs Oil Company. Mary worked by his side and some of the children worked for the company, making it a true family business. Through the years the company was branded Pure Oil, Union 76, Amoco, BP, and most recently Sinclair. Al was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing in his younger years, and more recently trips to the casino. Golfing was his favorite sport, and he was a charter member of the Purple Hawk Golf Course, where he won the club championship a few times. He was on the Cambridge City Council and served as mayor of Cambridge from 1974-1975. Al was a class act. He was smart, hardworking and enjoyed going to the office. He was very proud of his business and family. He enjoyed dancing with Mary and their many trips to Las Vegas, and loved spending time with his kids and their spouses, 18 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He was a good listener, gave good advice when asked, was forgiving and generous. He was quick to tell a joke or story, loved a good laugh, and knew how to make everyone feel welcome. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Al was preceded in death by his wife Mary, granddaughter Laura, sisters Corrinne and Patricia, and infant siblings Ronald and Mary. He is survived by his children Ron (Kathy) Anlauf, Jeff (Diane) Anlauf, Dennis (Sharalyn) Anlauf, Sharon (John) Lewis, Valerie (David) Howard, Maria (Shannon) Olson, and Maureen Anlauf; 17 grandchildren Jonathan, Michael (Jaime), Jessica, William, Alaina, Kelly (Amy), Mitchell, and Nicholas Anlauf; Elizabeth Becklin; Rebecca (Todd) Cramer; Bryan, Patrick and Brett Becklin; Maggie and Hannah Howard; Whitney and Christopher Olson; and 9 great grandchildren Dominic, Adelaide, Stella, Eva, Isabella, Ryder, Jayden, Alex, and Caleb; brothers-in-law John Columbo and Don Blomquist.