June 28, 2025
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Al Abramowitz

Johnston

Al Abramowitz, 88, of Johnston, formerly of Creston, was called home by his Savior on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Brio of Johnston.

Al Abramowitz, 88, of Johnston, formerly of Creston, was called home by his Savior on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Brio of Johnston. (Contributed )

Al Abramowitz, 88, of Johnston, formerly of Creston, was called home by his Savior Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, at Brio of Johnston. A Celebration of Life Service will be 1 p.m Wednesday, Sept. 6, at Powers Funeral Home in Creston. Visitation, with family to receive friends, will be noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, prior to the service. Pastor Dave Tebbenkamp will officiate. The burial will be held in Graceland Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Creston or Brio of Johnston. Online condolences may be made at www.powersfh.com.

Alfred Edward Abramowitz Jr. was born Jan. 28, 1935, the son of Alfred Edward Abramowitz Sr. and Evelyn (Smith) Abramowitz in Jersey City, New Jersey. He graduated from Emerson High School in Union City, New Jersey, in 1953. After graduation, Al proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

Following his return from the military, Al left New Jersey and moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to attend Augustana College for two years before transferring to Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he graduated with a degree in secondary education. He also earned his master’s degree in special education from Colorado State College.

Al taught special education in Prairie City and Newton, before moving to Freeport, Illinois, where he continued to teach history and government until he retired in 1991.

While in Freeport, Al enjoyed coaching both the cross country and track distance runners. During their retirement, Al and Clarine returned to Clarine’s hometown of Creston and later moved to Johnston to be near family.

On Jan. 27, 1962, Al was united in marriage to Clarine Fae Henry at the First Baptist Church in Creston. They were blessed with a son, Timothy and a daughter, Michele.

Al was a member of the First Baptist Church in Freeport, where he was a Sunday School teacher and deacon for many years, and later the First Baptist Church in Creston.

Al is survived by his children, Timothy (Debra) Abramowitz of Johnston and Michele (Joe) Pettinger of Santa Cruz, California; five grandchildren: Levi (Katelyn) Abramowitz of Waukee, Jannae Abramowitz of Farmington, Connecticut, Evan (Emma) Abramowitz of Ankeny, Grant Abramowitz of Nevada and Anika Pettinger of San Francisco, California; three great-grandchildren: Lilyann, Theo and Thomas Abramowitz of Waukee and a brother, Ralph (Pam) Abramowitz of West Seneca, New York.

Al is preceded in death by his parents; wife Clarine in 2022; brother-in-law, Wayne Henry and sister-in-law, Cheryl Henry.