H. Albert “Al” Sundberg Jr.
H. Albert “Al” Sundberg Jr., 89 of Charlotte, passed from earth into the presence of his Savior on December 23, 2023. Al was born January 17, 1934, at Houghton Lake Heights to Henry Albert Sundberg Sr. and Clara Grace (Rosen) Sundberg. After high school graduation, he attended Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music, where he met his future wife, Barbara Campbell of Charlotte. They married June 19, 1954 in Carson City. He began pastoring churches in 1956 and spend the next 40 years in various Michigan towns in ministry as a pastor, Christian School chaplain, and representative of a Christian publishing company. After retirement Al and Barb moved to Indian River—a favorite area—but he continued to serve as interim pastor in churches that requested him. Their second retirement, ten years later, brought them to Charlotte to be near their family.
Al was a true “people person.” He enjoyed having conversation with anyone, no one was a stranger to him for long, whether they were a store clerk, person standing in line next to him, or a fellow walker at AL!VE. His outgoing personality resulted in many friendships being formed.
Al was especially proud of his Swedish heritage and the fact that all four of his grandparents had emigrated from Sweden to the United States. He took pleasure in sharing accounts of their lives with his family. He was equally proud of his early life at Houghton Lake. One of his favorite activities was a trip there and a tour of his childhood homes, complete with stories of the time he lived at each place.
Al valued and loved his family above everything except his Lord. He daily prayed for each of his nearly 70 descendants and was interested in every aspect of their lives. He enjoyed fishing, handyman work, gardening, woodworking and football—if his sons or grandsons were playing.
Al is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara; four of their five children, Patricia Ann (Russell) VanKirk, Sherryl Sundberg Eiskant, Brent Alan (Sonia) Sundberg, and Beth Ann (Neil) foster; daughter-in-law, Mary (David) Sundberg; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, David Albert; grandson, Brent Eiskant; his parents; infant sister, Katherine; and his brother, Peter.
Friends are encouraged to support Al’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, January 3, 6-8:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, January 4, at South Church in Lansing, with visitation for one hour prior. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Al’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Gideons International.
The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.