Alex was born on March 7th, 1918 in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was a native of Germany, however, he grew up in Riga, Latvia. After seven years of elementary school, he went to trade school to become an automobile mechanic.
In 1939, he was drafted into the German Army and had to fight against the Russians. It was in 1941 that his only brother, Waldemar, was wounder in battle and died at the age of 20. Alex was then pulled off the "front lines of war".
In 1944, Alex's parents had to leave their home and then settled in Lauffen am Neckar, Germany. After the war, Alex returned to his parents in Germany. He worked in Lauffen for a time, but then decided to go to Switzerland.
While in Switerland, Alex got in contact with his aunt in Caracas, Venezuela. His aunt encouraged him to come to South America: she sponsored him and he ventured out. There he worked for Mercedes Benz and then opened up his own repair shop in Venezuela. It was during those years when Alex learned to speak fluent Spanish.
In 1953, His first son, Waldemar was born. He was named after the brother that he lost in World War II. When his marriage failed, he continued to run his business and take care of his son.
In the meantime, Alex's father was looking for a wife for him. His father found out that there was a young beautiful woman named Maria living in Lauffen with her brother and sister-in-law. Alex's father met her and encouraged her to go to South America to meet his son. He would pay for the trip and if she did not like Alex, he would pay for her trip back to Germany.
Maria said "No, I am not going to South America. If he wants to meet me, he can come to Germany." Alexander was always a smart man, so he and his five year old son went back to Germany. Alex and Maria fell in love and got married in 1959. In 1960, their first daughter Gabriele, was born.
In 1960, Alex and his family immigrated to Montreal, Canada. Two years later, their son Karl was born.
Two years after that, their daughter Bettina was born. After four years in Montreal, they grew sick and tired of the cold winters and decided to immigrate to America and they chose Modesto, California.
In 1964, the family left Montreal and they drove to Chicago. From there, Alex and his oldest son drove to Modesto. Maria, Bettina (an infant), Karl (a two-year old) and Gabriele (a four-year old) boarded a train and headed for Sacramento. From there they took a bus to Modesto and Alex's new boss picked them up at the bus station.
Three days later, Alex and Waldemar arrived in Modesto. At this time, no one in the family spoke a word of English. Alex started his new job at the Volkswagon dealership. Alex and Maria attended Modesto Junior College in the evenings to learn English.
In 1965 the family moved to Manteca and at the age of 47, with four small children and only knowing very little English Alexander opened his own business..an auto repair shop named German Car Repair. Alex was respected by his customers and his business associates for his knowledge and for his honesty.
Alex and Maria always worked together. Maria disassembled many engines and washed the parts so Alex could but them back together. Eventhough he worked very hard, Alex always found time to enjoy life with his family and him many friends.
There were countless trips to Seacliff Beach in Santa Cruz and to Turlock Lake. There were many parties and celebrations at their home and the homes of friends, especially Nick and Rita Kaps.
He made hundreds of trips to the orthodontist with his daughters. He made time to watch as many basketball games, tennis matches and track meets as he could. He went fishing with his sons. Whenever Alex took time out during the day for his children, he would return to the shop in the evenings to linebore a crankcase or to finish an engine for a customer.
In 1986, when he's health began to fail, Alex had to retire. Because of his hard work, perseverance and courage he was able to provide all of his children with an education.
He was always very proud of his children. His biggest wish and hope was that his sons and daughters always stick together and be there for each other, no matter what.
Alexander had many messages and words of advice for his children like .... "Always finish what you start!", "Never give up!", or "Learn as much as you can, because what you have in your brain, no one can take away from you!" The saying that always makes us laugh is "Keep your head up, even if your neck is dirty!'
Alex is an amazing man who lived a life here on Earth that all of us can learn from. Alex will be deeply missed by many, but he will remain in our hearts forever.
In 1939, he was drafted into the German Army and had to fight against the Russians. It was in 1941 that his only brother, Waldemar, was wounder in battle and died at the age of 20. Alex was then pulled off the "front lines of war".
In 1944, Alex's parents had to leave their home and then settled in Lauffen am Neckar, Germany. After the war, Alex returned to his parents in Germany. He worked in Lauffen for a time, but then decided to go to Switzerland.
While in Switerland, Alex got in contact with his aunt in Caracas, Venezuela. His aunt encouraged him to come to South America: she sponsored him and he ventured out. There he worked for Mercedes Benz and then opened up his own repair shop in Venezuela. It was during those years when Alex learned to speak fluent Spanish.
In 1953, His first son, Waldemar was born. He was named after the brother that he lost in World War II. When his marriage failed, he continued to run his business and take care of his son.
In the meantime, Alex's father was looking for a wife for him. His father found out that there was a young beautiful woman named Maria living in Lauffen with her brother and sister-in-law. Alex's father met her and encouraged her to go to South America to meet his son. He would pay for the trip and if she did not like Alex, he would pay for her trip back to Germany.
Maria said "No, I am not going to South America. If he wants to meet me, he can come to Germany." Alexander was always a smart man, so he and his five year old son went back to Germany. Alex and Maria fell in love and got married in 1959. In 1960, their first daughter Gabriele, was born.
In 1960, Alex and his family immigrated to Montreal, Canada. Two years later, their son Karl was born.
Two years after that, their daughter Bettina was born. After four years in Montreal, they grew sick and tired of the cold winters and decided to immigrate to America and they chose Modesto, California.
In 1964, the family left Montreal and they drove to Chicago. From there, Alex and his oldest son drove to Modesto. Maria, Bettina (an infant), Karl (a two-year old) and Gabriele (a four-year old) boarded a train and headed for Sacramento. From there they took a bus to Modesto and Alex's new boss picked them up at the bus station.
Three days later, Alex and Waldemar arrived in Modesto. At this time, no one in the family spoke a word of English. Alex started his new job at the Volkswagon dealership. Alex and Maria attended Modesto Junior College in the evenings to learn English.
In 1965 the family moved to Manteca and at the age of 47, with four small children and only knowing very little English Alexander opened his own business..an auto repair shop named German Car Repair. Alex was respected by his customers and his business associates for his knowledge and for his honesty.
Alex and Maria always worked together. Maria disassembled many engines and washed the parts so Alex could but them back together. Eventhough he worked very hard, Alex always found time to enjoy life with his family and him many friends.
There were countless trips to Seacliff Beach in Santa Cruz and to Turlock Lake. There were many parties and celebrations at their home and the homes of friends, especially Nick and Rita Kaps.
He made hundreds of trips to the orthodontist with his daughters. He made time to watch as many basketball games, tennis matches and track meets as he could. He went fishing with his sons. Whenever Alex took time out during the day for his children, he would return to the shop in the evenings to linebore a crankcase or to finish an engine for a customer.
In 1986, when he's health began to fail, Alex had to retire. Because of his hard work, perseverance and courage he was able to provide all of his children with an education.
He was always very proud of his children. His biggest wish and hope was that his sons and daughters always stick together and be there for each other, no matter what.
Alexander had many messages and words of advice for his children like .... "Always finish what you start!", "Never give up!", or "Learn as much as you can, because what you have in your brain, no one can take away from you!" The saying that always makes us laugh is "Keep your head up, even if your neck is dirty!'
Alex is an amazing man who lived a life here on Earth that all of us can learn from. Alex will be deeply missed by many, but he will remain in our hearts forever.
Alex was born on March 7th, 1918 in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was a native of Germany, however, he grew up in Riga, Latvia. After seven years of elementary school, he went to trade school to become an automobile mechanic.
In 1939, he was drafted into the German Army and had to fight against the Russians. It was in 1941 that his only brother, Waldemar, was wounder in battle and died at the age of 20. Alex was then pulled off the "front lines of war".
In 1944, Alex's parents had to leave their home and then settled in Lauffen am Neckar, Germany. After the war, Alex returned to his parents in Germany. He worked in Lauffen for a time, but then decided to go to Switzerland.
While in Switerland, Alex got in contact with his aunt in Caracas, Venezuela. His aunt encouraged him to come to South America: she sponsored him and he ventured out. There he worked for Mercedes Benz and then opened up his own repair shop in Venezuela. It was during those years when Alex learned to speak fluent Spanish.
In 1953, His first son, Waldemar was born. He was named after the brother that he lost in World War II. When his marriage failed, he continued to run his business and take care of his son.
In the meantime, Alex's father was looking for a wife for him. His father found out that there was a young beautiful woman named Maria living in Lauffen with her brother and sister-in-law. Alex's father met her and encouraged her to go to South America to meet his son. He would pay for the trip and if she did not like Alex, he would pay for her trip back to Germany.
Maria said "No, I am not going to South America. If he wants to meet me, he can come to Germany." Alexander was always a smart man, so he and his five year old son went back to Germany. Alex and Maria fell in love and got married in 1959. In 1960, their first daughter Gabriele, was born.
In 1960, Alex and his family immigrated to Montreal, Canada. Two years later, their son Karl was born.
Two years after that, their daughter Bettina was born. After four years in Montreal, they grew sick and tired of the cold winters and decided to immigrate to America and they chose Modesto, California.
In 1964, the family left Montreal and they drove to Chicago. From there, Alex and his oldest son drove to Modesto. Maria, Bettina (an infant), Karl (a two-year old) and Gabriele (a four-year old) boarded a train and headed for Sacramento. From there they took a bus to Modesto and Alex's new boss picked them up at the bus station.
Three days later, Alex and Waldemar arrived in Modesto. At this time, no one in the family spoke a word of English. Alex started his new job at the Volkswagon dealership. Alex and Maria attended Modesto Junior College in the evenings to learn English.
In 1965 the family moved to Manteca and at the age of 47, with four small children and only knowing very little English Alexander opened his own business..an auto repair shop named German Car Repair. Alex was respected by his customers and his business associates for his knowledge and for his honesty.
Alex and Maria always worked together. Maria disassembled many engines and washed the parts so Alex could but them back together. Eventhough he worked very hard, Alex always found time to enjoy life with his family and him many friends.
There were countless trips to Seacliff Beach in Santa Cruz and to Turlock Lake. There were many parties and celebrations at their home and the homes of friends, especially Nick and Rita Kaps.
He made hundreds of trips to the orthodontist with his daughters. He made time to watch as many basketball games, tennis matches and track meets as he could. He went fishing with his sons. Whenever Alex took time out during the day for his children, he would return to the shop in the evenings to linebore a crankcase or to finish an engine for a customer.
In 1986, when he's health began to fail, Alex had to retire. Because of his hard work, perseverance and courage he was able to provide all of his children with an education.
He was always very proud of his children. His biggest wish and hope was that his sons and daughters always stick together and be there for each other, no matter what.
Alexander had many messages and words of advice for his children like .... "Always finish what you start!", "Never give up!", or "Learn as much as you can, because what you have in your brain, no one can take away from you!" The saying that always makes us laugh is "Keep your head up, even if your neck is dirty!'
Alex is an amazing man who lived a life here on Earth that all of us can learn from. Alex will be deeply missed by many, but he will remain in our hearts forever.
In 1939, he was drafted into the German Army and had to fight against the Russians. It was in 1941 that his only brother, Waldemar, was wounder in battle and died at the age of 20. Alex was then pulled off the "front lines of war".
In 1944, Alex's parents had to leave their home and then settled in Lauffen am Neckar, Germany. After the war, Alex returned to his parents in Germany. He worked in Lauffen for a time, but then decided to go to Switzerland.
While in Switerland, Alex got in contact with his aunt in Caracas, Venezuela. His aunt encouraged him to come to South America: she sponsored him and he ventured out. There he worked for Mercedes Benz and then opened up his own repair shop in Venezuela. It was during those years when Alex learned to speak fluent Spanish.
In 1953, His first son, Waldemar was born. He was named after the brother that he lost in World War II. When his marriage failed, he continued to run his business and take care of his son.
In the meantime, Alex's father was looking for a wife for him. His father found out that there was a young beautiful woman named Maria living in Lauffen with her brother and sister-in-law. Alex's father met her and encouraged her to go to South America to meet his son. He would pay for the trip and if she did not like Alex, he would pay for her trip back to Germany.
Maria said "No, I am not going to South America. If he wants to meet me, he can come to Germany." Alexander was always a smart man, so he and his five year old son went back to Germany. Alex and Maria fell in love and got married in 1959. In 1960, their first daughter Gabriele, was born.
In 1960, Alex and his family immigrated to Montreal, Canada. Two years later, their son Karl was born.
Two years after that, their daughter Bettina was born. After four years in Montreal, they grew sick and tired of the cold winters and decided to immigrate to America and they chose Modesto, California.
In 1964, the family left Montreal and they drove to Chicago. From there, Alex and his oldest son drove to Modesto. Maria, Bettina (an infant), Karl (a two-year old) and Gabriele (a four-year old) boarded a train and headed for Sacramento. From there they took a bus to Modesto and Alex's new boss picked them up at the bus station.
Three days later, Alex and Waldemar arrived in Modesto. At this time, no one in the family spoke a word of English. Alex started his new job at the Volkswagon dealership. Alex and Maria attended Modesto Junior College in the evenings to learn English.
In 1965 the family moved to Manteca and at the age of 47, with four small children and only knowing very little English Alexander opened his own business..an auto repair shop named German Car Repair. Alex was respected by his customers and his business associates for his knowledge and for his honesty.
Alex and Maria always worked together. Maria disassembled many engines and washed the parts so Alex could but them back together. Eventhough he worked very hard, Alex always found time to enjoy life with his family and him many friends.
There were countless trips to Seacliff Beach in Santa Cruz and to Turlock Lake. There were many parties and celebrations at their home and the homes of friends, especially Nick and Rita Kaps.
He made hundreds of trips to the orthodontist with his daughters. He made time to watch as many basketball games, tennis matches and track meets as he could. He went fishing with his sons. Whenever Alex took time out during the day for his children, he would return to the shop in the evenings to linebore a crankcase or to finish an engine for a customer.
In 1986, when he's health began to fail, Alex had to retire. Because of his hard work, perseverance and courage he was able to provide all of his children with an education.
He was always very proud of his children. His biggest wish and hope was that his sons and daughters always stick together and be there for each other, no matter what.
Alexander had many messages and words of advice for his children like .... "Always finish what you start!", "Never give up!", or "Learn as much as you can, because what you have in your brain, no one can take away from you!" The saying that always makes us laugh is "Keep your head up, even if your neck is dirty!'
Alex is an amazing man who lived a life here on Earth that all of us can learn from. Alex will be deeply missed by many, but he will remain in our hearts forever.
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