Albert J. Woeste

Albert John Woeste, age 96, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, surrounded by family. Born on March 21, 1929, Al lived a full and generous life defined by faith, hard work, service, and enduring devotion to family.

He was the youngest of six children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Rose Woeste, and four siblings — Leona, Helen, Esther, and Bob — and is survived by his oldest sister, Florence.

Al was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mary L. (Fanelli) Woeste, his wife of 51 years, with whom he shared a lifetime of love, faith, and family.

His legacy continues through his loving children and their spouses: Debbie (Joe) VonBokern, Ron (Julie) Woeste, Rick (Eva) Woeste, Diane (Steve) Drum, Randy (Angela) Woeste, Russ (Suzy) Woeste, and Roger Woeste. He was a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren — Kristin, Kevin, Jamie, Brett, Jesse, Kelsey, Summer, Christopher, Brooke, Andrew, Clayton, Gabriella, and Alexandra — and a great-grandfather to twenty great-grandchildren, each of whom brought joy and fulfillment to his life.

Al’s warmth, generosity, and compassion enriched the lives of those around him, creating lasting memories that will be treasured by all who knew him.

Al’s early life was shaped by humble beginnings and perseverance. He spent his early childhood at St. Joseph Children’s Orphanage and graduated from Chaminade High School in 1947. The Monday after graduation, he began working at Dayton Power & Light as a lineman, earning 67 cents per hour — a humble beginning that reflected his lifelong dedication to hard work and integrity. In 1956, he founded Woeste Electric, where, through honesty and craftsmanship, he earned the respect of customers and peers throughout the Miami Valley.

Al was active in both the electrical and real estate communities and was elected to lead several nonprofit organizations dedicated to professional growth and ethical standards. He served as President of the Electric Club of Dayton and President of Adequate Wiring. He was also elected as the first President of the Greater Dayton Real Estate Investors Association and later the first President of the Ohio Real Estate Investors Association.

Al’s electrical talents and generosity touched countless organizations. He donated his expertise to St. Joseph Children’s Orphanage, served on the Board of Directors for Camp Marydale in Erlanger, Kentucky — where he and his family created wonderful memories during many summer vacations — and volunteered for decades at community events such as the Bellbrook Lions Club Festival, the Bellbrook Sugar Maple Festival, and AlterFest at Alter High School. He was among the first inductees into the Alter High School Hall of Fame in 1987.

Faith and music were lifelong sources of joy. Al began singing in the Incarnation Church Choir in the 1960s and continued his musical ministry at St. Francis of Assisi Church through 2016. He was also a dedicated blood donor, giving regularly to the Community Blood Center, a reflection of his selfless commitment to helping others. Al was an avid euchre player who never missed a chance for a good game and a few laughs with family and friends.

A Mass and Celebration of Life will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, on Friday, November 14. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by Mass at 2:00 p.m. Guests are warmly welcome to join the family for a reception following the Mass to celebrate Al’s life and share memories.

He will be cremated and laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Mary, at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers and staff at 10 Wilmington Place for their kindness and compassion, offering love and support in Al’s final years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Al’s honor to:

• Alter High School — Attn: Advancement Office, 940 E. David Rd., Kettering, OH 45429, or online at www.alterhs.org/donate (please specify “Unite the Knights Building Campaign”)
• Alzheimer’s Association, Miami Valley Chapter — www.alz.org/dayton

Arrangements entrusted to Westbrock Funeral Home, Kettering. www.westbrockfuneralhome.com