Alvin Robert Walkenhorst passed away January 5th 2022, in the company of his wife and their seven children. He was 93 years old. A pillar of the community, he will be greatly missed.
A local legend, Al and his brother Bob decided to open their own bakery after the one where they worked closed the day after Thanksgiving in 1948. Using their severance pay to break ground, the brothers’ bakery became known as Carol’s Pastry Shop, and remains open today.
Veteran of the Korean War, Al lived a life of adventure, traveling the globe and collecting classic automobiles. He married his wife of seventy years, Joyce, on a weekend in 1951 while home on leave. In 1965, they sealed their marriage in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Born August 6, 1928 in Salt Lake City, Al’s legacy is survived by his wife, their seven children, 21 grandchildren, and 35 great grandchildren.
We had the privilege of spending time with Al and Bob while filming Carol’s Bakery for our #SUGARHOUSESTRONG campaign. Generations of the family were also there, some were working, others stopped in to say hello, and the great grandkids were dashing about. We listed to stories, laughed, and managed to film a video in the process. It was easily one of our favorite video shoots ever. We’ll miss Al as will so many in the community.