Albert (Al) Francis Necas passed away on December 4, 2021 in Tucson, Arizona.  Al was born on August 12, 1939 to Albert and Francis (Janousek) Necas (both deceased) in Waubun, MN, at the home of his grandparents.  Al is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jean, brother, Robert (Bob) Necas, and niece Donna (Bryan) Olson. His sister, Susan Necas, sister-in-law, Judy Necas and her children Connie Appell (Karl), Jeanne Myers (Kevin), John Necas (Laura), and Josh Necas (Jennifer), survives Al.  Al leaves behind his nephews, nieces and godchildren who loved him greatly.

Al was a graduate of St. John's University in Collegeville, MN in 1961 where he earned his teaching degree.  In 1961, he moved to Hayti, SD, and began his music career teaching at Hayti High School, for 10 years, instilling the love of music in his students.  In 1971, Al moved to Elfrida, AZ, teaching music and band for 36 years at Valley Union High School, receiving numerous accolades and awards for "Music at Al's Place" and at the University of Arizona's Band Day.  Al may have retired, but his legacy and love for teaching music has continued to be an integral part of the lives he shared with others.

In 1973, after his father, Albert, suffered a massive stroke, Al moved his parents from South Dakota to Elfrida, AZ, to care for them.  After his father passed away in 1984, he was the caretaker for his mother until she moved to a nursing home in 2001.  After Al finished his day teaching, he would drive to Wilcox to visit his mom 2-3 times a week until her passing in 2007.

Al was a beloved member of the Elfrida and McNeal, AZ community, where he submersed himself within the culture and was a great friend to many. He was of deep catholic faith, teaching religious education in his community over a number of years.  He often visited his sister, Susan, at Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, IN.  Prior to passing away, Al had arranged to visit the convent in December, where he loved spending time.

Al also had a great passion for photography, and always seen with a camera on him.  He was the family photographer, documenting the many highlights in our lives, as well in the lives of his students and friends.  Al won numerous awards in the county fair for stunning photos he had taken of nature.  He had quite an eye for framing his photo to get the best picture possible.

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support you have provided to us.  We cannot express how much the kind words you have shared about the impact Al had on your lives, has meant to us all. We will all miss Al greatly.

Funeral services for Al will be held at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Douglas, AZ on January 22, 2022 at 11:00am.  Burial will follow at McNeal Cemetery. A celebration of life for Al will be held by his community at St. Francis of Assisi Mission in Elfrida, AZ, following the burial.