Alvin (AL) Leroy Faulkner passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at the age of 88. Al was born on December 28th, 1936, to William and Marjorie Faulkner in Deadwood S.D. Al was the 2nd child born in his family of 12 children. Al was raised in the Cabbage Patch District on Madison Street in Butte. He attended school in Butte and graduated in 1954 from Butte High School. Al went to work for Eddy’s Bakery. It was at Eddy’s that he met the love of his life and soul mate Geraldine (Geri) Clair Myers. He married Geri on July 9th, 1955, and from this union they were blessed with seven wonderful children. Al and Geri loved each other deeply and would have celebrated 64 years of marriage in 2019 when Geri passed away. Al was the last of the Myers family/extended family to pass.
Al joined the Navy Reserve in 1957 where he was stationed in San Diego. He spent 8 years with the Navy Reserves.
Al and Geri raised their family of seven on Zarelda Street in Butte where many family gatherings were held. From large holiday dinners to backyard volleyball on the third of July, family fun was had by all. These family gatherings will be greatly missed.
Al loved being an electrician and made his life career being the best electrician around. He worked at the Anaconda Company, Montana Resources, and many other companies when a work strike took him away from home. Al would travel for work no matter where it was just to keep his family fed during work strikes. Al retired from Montana Resources in June of 1999. When the mine was reopening in 2003, he was asked to help Montana Resources “turn the lights back on” as he knew the ins and outs of this mine better than anyone.
In 2004, Al was given a trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin to watch his beloved Packers as a gift of appreciation by Montana Resources. Al took Geri with him and, of course, several of us kids were happy to join them. Watching Dad finally getting to attend and watch his first Packers game in person was something that was so much fun for us all! Al was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Atlanta Braves, and Montana Grizzlies. He followed these teams throughout all their ups and downs, cheering them on, and occasionally offering coach tips through the TV.
Al loved the Catholic church and spent many years singing at the many catholic churches in Butte until his voice prevented him from singing anymore. He was very devoted to his faith and always had rosary beads with him. Each day, he would say his morning prayers where he included all of his kids in his daily devotions. He prayed for everyone and our world along with our leaders.
Al enjoyed his time as a volunteer for Butte Central athletics and ran the clock/scoreboard for the football and basketball games back in the late 1970’s and into the early 1980’s. He loved his time as a time keeper and made many new friends while doing this.
He also volunteered for the Big Butte Fire department where he spent many years as a member of this fire department. Since Al loved to volunteer, he gave many, many hours of his time to Our Lady of the Rockies. Whether it was helping with making pasties or any electrical work needed in the kitchen, you would find Al there. His biggest job was the Lady on the mountain. He took pride in keeping her lit. He spent many days traveling up to the Lady to work on the lights. Nightly, he would go outside to see that all the lights were on and she was shining bright. When Al was not volunteering, you could find him watching his favorite TV shows and movies that included John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. He loved the old western TV shows and movies. Additionally, Al was also up for telling you some of his favorite stories. As a lifelong storyteller, he would often tell the same stories over and over with such enjoyment that you couldn’t help but laugh along with him.
Al believed in giving to charity. St. Jude was high on his list of charities. In return, they would send him medals, necklaces, and other trinkets which he would give to his great grandchildren. They loved them.
In August 2025, Big Sky Senior living arranged for Al to fly on the Dream Flight to honor Veterans in Butte. This was a dream come true for him as he flew in a Boeing Stearman Biplane. Ironically, he was having difficulty walking at this time, but he was able to jump into this plane with no problem at all. After the flight was over, he didn’t stop grinning for days. This event truly gave him happiness.
Al’s family would like to send special thanks to Jim and Jerry Joe Downey and Mike Cerise for taking Al up to the Lady and helping him with all Electrical needs up there. Also, a special thank you to Jerry Joe and Meg Downey for bringing him communion weekly when he could no longer attend mass.
We would like to extend a special thank you to all the Hospice nurses, Dr. Yates and Big Sky Senior living med techs and staff who all loved Al dearly and took such good care of him. When the staff and residents at Big Sky learned that Al was nearing his final chapter, they all came to see him. It was a revolving door with people coming to see him to say goodbye. This truly touched his heart along with ours. He was loved and admired by so many.
Al is survived by his children, Colleen (Lorr) Safratowich, Dan (Mary), Terri (Dave) Ewan, Karen (Dan) Foley, Alan (Kris), Christie (Kevin) Kranjcec; along with his 16 grandchildren, whom he greatly adored Mike (Melissa), Jeremy (Kayla), Megan (Phillip), Rebecca, Krystal (Ben), Katie (Jason), Melissa (Tyrel), Ryan (Auva), Sean (MiKayla), Kevin, Brandon, Nicole (Lance), Matthew (Shannon), Aidan, Kellen and Declan; in addition, Al had 7 great grandchildren who brought him many smiles and lots of laughs, Oliver, Emmet, Emery, Aubrey, Carter, Gracie, and Quincy; Al is also survived by brothers, Stevie and David; sisters, Joanne, Sherry and Naomi and several nieces and nephews.
Al is now reunited with the love of his life, Geri, his son Mike, his great granddaughter Kinsley, along with his parents and siblings Marjorie, Dorothy, Mickey, Charlie, Pattie, and Shirley in Heaven.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of the Rockies foundation.
Rest in peace, Dad, and thank you for being the best Dad we could have ever asked for. We love you dearly and your legacy will live on! We are missing you already!
Please check back for service details.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Al.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 22, 2025
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 22, 2025
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Wednesday October 22, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 22, 2025
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 22, 2025
St. Patrick's Catholic Church
329 W Mercury St
Butte, Montana 59701
Graveside Service
Following Mass
Wednesday October 22, 2025
Holy Cross Cemetery
4700 Harrison Ave
Butte, Montana 59701
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Jim and Kim Salmonsen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Don and Jeri Brunell says
Our Uncle Al did lots of good things for all of us and was just a fun guy to be around. We still have hear his hearty laugh and smile at his impishness. You can’t help but smile every time you think about some of the stunts he pulled off. On our garbage route we would have to circle the block a couple of times while my Dad shot the breeze with the folks along the way. Al had to remind Dad that we were getting paid by the hour. We’re pretty sure he’s at full strength in Heaven and God has assigned 5 or 6 angels to keep track of him! We’re pretty sure he’s having fun and Aunt Geri and Cousin Mike are glad to see him.
Karen pearl Jackson says
Al was an awesome guy. I served good food to him at the big sky senior living. He is missed. Here at the big sky senior living we all loved him. Rest in peace
Alyssa S says
I grew up on the block of Zarelda Street and used to ride my bike down Al and Geri’s sidewalk. Al would always yell at me not to — but of course, I didn’t listen! Years later, I ended up working as a receptionist at a nursing home where his wife was a resident. Al would stop and talk to me every day when he came by to bring her flowers.
Life came full circle when I bought a house right across the street from him and became his neighbor for the next nine years. Every day, we’d exchange a friendly smile and wave, and every couple of weeks we’d stop and chat in the middle of the street. Sometimes we talked about the history of my house or his, or the history of butte and other times he’d share stories about his wife, children or family — the people he was clearly most proud of.
Al was one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Mary & Pat McMahon says
To Colleen & all of Al’s wonderful family;
We are so very sorry to learn of your father’s passing. I remember well his singing at both St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s. I always enjoyed his stops at the Courthouse where he’d bring treats to the election crew & check on Colleen. May he rest in peace & rise in glory!
Toni (Mooney) and Marty Doornbos says
Dear Faulkner Family,
Your Dad lived an impressive life and left a wonderful legacy in you, his family. I have fond memories of gathering at the Butte fire hall with you and the Downey’s. We are wishing you peace and comfort and praying for you all.
Toni (Mooney) and Marty Doornbos
Jeff Miller says
Sincere sympathy to all of Al’s family and friends. I knew Al for many years, he treated me very well and was a mentor when I was a very young member of the Big Butte VFD. Al was always a very positive role model for the younger members.
As evidenced by his wonderful obituary, Al had a life very well lived. Al and Geri raised raised a great family who I know meant the world to him. Rest in Peace Al.
Mary Robertson says
Al was one of the very best- simply a great guy. His pleasant smile, easy laugh, and his genuine interest in anyone who he was visiting with will be remembered fondly. Terri and family, you are in my prayers for peace and comfort. May memories sustain you during this time. Much love to you all.
Elena Nelson says
Dear Karen and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Al’s legacy will live on through all of you
Lori Paull says
Dan and Mary Lou, condolences in the loss of your dad/father-in-law. I remember when he sang IC, either in the loft or later in the pews. What a life he lived!