Alvin Gene Cunningham, 77, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 29, 2016, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin, Minnesota.

Alvin was born March 2, 1939, to LeRoy and Lillian (Espe) Cunningham in Austin. He grew up in Austin and graduated from Austin High School in 1957. Alvin was united in marriage to Ilene Novak. Alvin worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for three years and worked as a chemical dependency counselor at area facilities including Fountain Center, Agape and St. Olaf. His hobbies included antiquing, garage sales and playing cribbage with his friends. He was a devoted Vikings and Twins fan. Alvin was a member of AA over 35 years. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Ilene Cunningham of Austin; three children: Laura Hayes of Austin, Troy (Tina Young) Cunningham of Austin, and Travis (Alisha Marcks) Cunningham of Austin, Minnesota; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters: Beverly Crace of Washington and Darlene (Duane) Perry of Lansing, Minnesota; special friend Holly Anderson; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and many wonderful coworkers. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald; and his step-father, Charles Mensink.

A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, at Cornerstone Church in Austin, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour before the service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery. Memorials to the church or Alcoholics Anonymous. The Cunningham family would like to thank the great staff at Our House Memory Care, Sacred Heart Care Center and Janine Marks for their wonderful care. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.