Alan was a celebrated physics teacher at Lincoln High School for many years and retired in 1990.  He was a  pioneer in educational television and created the Project Physics curriculum.  He was honored to receive the Iowa Physics Teacher of the Year award.

Alan's greatest joy was traveling the world with his wife Harriet. His interests were many and varied including climbing all of the 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado, canoeing, photography, book collecting, playing cards with family and friends, and enjoying plays and musical events.  A treasured time was 1960 when the family lived in Stuttgart, Germany while Alan taught high school at the military base, allowing the family to travel widely throughout Europe.  After retirement, Alan and Harriet built their dream home on Table Rock Lake where they enjoyed twenty memorable years. They have always cherished their wide circle of friends.  Most importantly, Alan was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Harriet;  sons Marc (Colleen)  and Tom (Tammy); daughter Cindy (Christine);  grandchildren Jenny, Ryan (Rhoda), Michelle (Bill) Yarnall, Amber (Mo) Daod; and great-granddaughter, Audrey; sister Margaret, brother George and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Alan who passed away Thursday, May 19, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, will be held 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, May 23 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola where the family will be present to greet friends.  Memorials may be given in Alan's name to the charity of your choice.