Alvin "Al" Leroy Bush, 77, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2026, following a hard-fought battle with cancer. In keeping with his wishes, a private family inurnment and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Born on August 31, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, Alvin was the son of Alvin W. and Margaret F. Bush. From an early age, he was known for his reliability, work ethic, and strong sense of duty—traits that defined the man he became.

A proud Marine veteran, Alvin served his country with honor during Vietnam. His military service shaped his lifelong respect for discipline, service, and standing up for others. After returning home, he worked at Armour for several years before going to college to become a teacher. Mr. Bush devoted his career to education as an elementary teacher with Sioux City Schools for over 25 years. While a teacher, Alvin was known for bringing learning to life for his students by guiding the students to put on plays or build a class sculpture to deepen their learning. For decades, he guided and challenged young students, helping shape their futures through patience, consistency, and high expectations.

On October 2, 1970, Alvin married Peggy Buck, his partner in life. Together they built a strong and loving home rooted in commitment, loyalty, and family values.

Away from work, Alvin was a builder at heart. He took pride in creating and fixing things, often working on projects for his wife, children and grandchildren—whether it was something practical like a plant stand, something playful like a big Purple Dinosaur or a tree-house fit with a home-made kitchen set, or something made just for them like sports team signs. He was equally dedicated to his garden, where he carefully raised fruits, vegetables, and flowers, finding satisfaction in hard work and seeing things grow. These passions for building and growing extended to working on yard projects at the homes of his children, grandchildren, siblings, nephews, nieces as well. When he was not working on Projects, Al could be found playing golf or having coffee with his life-long friends Kenny and Denny, who were like brothers to him. Family was always Al’s top priority. Along with his wife, children, and grandchildren, and dear friends, he loved his sisters and brothers very much and created many memories with them.

He is survived by his children: Melissa (Jeremie) Bush, Joshua (Stacey) Bush, Melinna Potter, and Michelle (Mark) Hahn. He was a proud grandfather to Tyler (Lauren), Savannah (Luke), Rylee (Paige), Alex, Ethan, Emma (Jayce), and Porter, and a devoted great-grandfather to Kataleya, Jackson, Ruby, Avery, Eleanor, Callum, Sophia, and an eagerly awaited Great-Grandbaby #8. He was a protective brother to his siblings: Arnie (Lori) Bush, Sandy Rivera, and Mona (Oscar) Grimaldo, brother-in-law Randy Eik, and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Peggy, his parents, Alvin W. and Margaret F.; his sisters Beverly, Cecila, and Marshalle; his brother Dave; his sister-in-law Jane; and his beloved grandson Gavin.

Alvin will be remembered as a man of character—steady, hardworking, and deeply committed to those he loved. He lived a life built on service, family, and integrity, and his influence will continue through the many lives he shaped.