Alfred Andrew "Buddy" Gradel, of Freeburg, was born September 8, 1932, at Freeburg, a son of George Frank and Mary Magdalene (Haller) Gradel, and departed this life at 3:20 a.m., Thursday, February 13, 2014, in Maries Manor, Vienna. Buddy had attained the age of 81 years 5 months, and 5 days.

He was preceded in death by his father on March 20, 1969; his mother on December 23, 1999; one brother, Eugene John "Pistol" Gradel on August 28, 2012; and one sister, Irene Stegeman in April of 2013.

Buddy was a member of the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg; a United States Army veteran and a member of the Paul Hausenbeck American Legion Post No. 317, Freeburg. He had worked for Wieberg Charcoal Company which he later purchased and renamed Gradel Charcoal, where he was the owner and operator for over fifty years. Buddy had also worked in the maintenance department for the City of Freeburg from 2001 until the time of his passing.  He enjoyed his farming and gardening.

Those left to mourn the passing of Buddy include: one sister, Marcella Gradel, Freeburg; one sister-in-law, Leona Gradel, Freeburg; four nephews and nieces, Allen Gradel, Brenda Becker, Curtis Stegeman and Sue Porting; six great-nephews and great-nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Buddy at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, February 15, 2014, in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg, with Rev. Nicholas J. Reid officiating. Interment will be in the Holy Family Cemetery, Freeburg, under the direction of the Vienna Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.

Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon service time on Saturday, February 15, 2014, all in the Holy Family Catholic Church, Freeburg.

Masses or memorial contributions to the Holy Family School, Freeburg, are preferred by the family with envelopes available at the Holy Family Church or the Vienna Office of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.