Alois (Al) Joseph Loeffelholz, Jr.

Alois “Al” Joseph Loeffelholz, Jr., 86, of Norman, Oklahoma passed peacefully from this life on March 26, 2016; at home, with his family at his side, after a long illness. Al was born in Norman on January 22, 1930; the oldest child of Alois J. Loeffelholz, Sr. and Anna Agnes (Rieger) Loeffelholz. He graduated from St. Gregory’s high school in Shawnee, Oklahoma in 1947 as the valedictorian of his class; and attended the University of Oklahoma. Al graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin in 1962.

He married his lifelong friend and childhood playmate Jeannene Wampler in 1950. On November 26, 2015, Thanksgiving Day, they celebrated 65 years of endless love and partnership. Al was drafted into the Army in January 1950 during the Korean War. He completed Officers Candidate School in 1951 and served as a commissioned officer with the 18th Field Artillery Unit both domestically and overseas until his discharge in 1953.

Al was employed by The Security National Bank and Trust Company of Norman for 37 years and served in various capacities including President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board. He was a board member of First Oklahoma Life Insurance Co. In the late 70’s and early 80’s he was a board member of the reverse holding company that owned United Oklahoma Bank, Oklahoma City, OK. During his banking career he also served as Co-Chairman, of the Oklahoma Bankers Association Installment Loan, Insurance, and Investment committees. He was an adjunct professor of Bank Management for several semesters at the University of Oklahoma which he greatly enjoyed. In the late 80’s he founded Loeffelholz & Associates, Inc. an independent insurance agency in Norman, OK; and 5 years later after selling the company to Agar, Ford, Jarmon & Muldrow in Norman he continued his insurance career with them until retirement.

He was very active in the Norman community and was involved in numerous civic activities and initiatives for decades. He was President of the Norman Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of Directors. Al served as Chairman of the Streets and Highway Committee for the Chamber and together with other civic leaders accomplished many major projects too numerous to list. Al served as President and drive chairman for the United Way of Norman; Treasurer and Vice President of the Cleveland County Chapter of the American Red Cross; and President of the Cleveland County Unit of the American Cancer Society. He was one of the original founders of The Cleveland County Family YMCA and served on the Board of Directors; the Mayor’s Human Rights Committee; and the Sooner District of the Last Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Al was an important part of a civic minded team of leaders that worked on Westwood Park Golf Course and recreational facilities from conception to completion. He was heavily involved in economic development and instrumental in attracting the Westinghouse plant (now Johnson Controls); the U.S. Postal Service Training Center; the Shaklee plant (now Astellas); the Hitachi plant; and other major area employers.

Al served as Finance Chairman and on the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norman. He served on the Finance Committee of the Oklahoma City and Tulsa Dioceses under Bishop Reed. Al was the Trustee of St. Gregory’s College Endowment Fund. He delivered Meals on Wheels for several years with his wife Jeannene. Al was known to enjoy anonymous philanthropy he distributed directly to people with needs; as did his ancestors before him. In April 2014 he felt greatly honored to be the Grand Marshal of the annual 89er Day Parade in Norman; particularly because his ancestors staked a claim in the Norman area in the run of 1889.

He had the amazing yet natural ability to make every individual feel special. Al greeted everyone with genuine warmth and a smile that was infectious. Many friends and relatives sought his wise and compassionate counsel. His family and friends admired him greatly for his sensitivity, modesty, and courage. Al set an example and left a legacy through his respect for all people, strength of character, and gentlemanly manner. He could adapt his quick wit and humor, at will, to touch lives from the elderly to young children - including legendary bed time stories for kids.

He is survived by his wife Jeannene (Wampler) Loeffelholz. Also, three sons Bruce Loeffelholz, and Kurt Loeffelholz, both of Norman, OK. Tom Loeffelholz and wife Joyce of Grove, OK; and one daughter Lee Ann (Loeffelholz) Nelson of Tulsa, OK. He is also survived by three grandchildren Travis Nelson of Tulsa, OK; Meredith Nelson of Seattle, WA; Ron Taylor and wife Casey and their four children Christina, Brianna, Luke, and Ava of Enid, OK. A sister Jo Anne (Loeffelholz) Miller of Norman, OK. Brother-in-law Wendell Wampler and wife Barbara of Hunt, TX; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Al was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Raymond Francis Loeffelholz, as well as numerous in-laws.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to the United Way of Norman, 2424 Springer Dr., Suite 304, Norman, OK 73069 or the charity of your choice.