Alvin Ray Cummings

Alvin Cummings of Pine City passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at his home in Pine City after a short, hard-fought battle with cancer at the age of 73.

Al was born in Mora, Minnesota on November 22, 1950 to Walter and Elsie (Holmstrom) Cummings. He grew up in Brook Park and then Pine City when the family moved in 1962. After high school, Al attended Pine Tech and was drafted into the Army where he served in Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, Al moved to the Minneapolis area where he met the love of his life, Ginny. They married on May 4, 1974 and made their home in Brooklyn Park, raising 3 children. He worked for the City of Minneapolis for 30 years, retiring in 1998. Al spent many years volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America as the committee chairperson and chaperoning countless camping trips. After retirement, he held many different jobs to keep busy until he retired for good just before moving back to his childhood farmstead in Pine City.

Al was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many hours in the field hunting or on the lake fishing. Just prior to moving back up to Pine City, he and his family tore the farmhouse down to the studs and renovated it. Upon moving to the farm, Al spent his time bird watching, cultivating a hospitable environment for the deer (“the girls” as he called them), and generally spending time outdoors in his happy place. He enjoyed sitting on the apron in front of his shed, talking with friends and family that stopped by or heading in the house for several hands of cards.

Al is survived by his sons Patrick (Kari) Cummings of Crystal, Adam (Caryn) Cummings of New Hope; daughter Andrea (Brad) Berg of New Hope; siblings Susan (Ed) Wilde of Mora, Curt (Theresa) Cummings of Pine City; 6 grandchildren: Caleb, Elika, Ella, Gabriel, Gavin and Zachary; many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Elsie Cummings; loving wife Ginny; siblings Kenneth Cummings, Gary Cummings, and Charles Cummings.

Pastor Tim Adams will officiate at funeral services for Al: 11 AM; Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Journey North Church in Pine City. A gathering of family and friends is planned from 5-8 PM; Friday, February 9, 2024 at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City and one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place in Birchwood Cemetery, Pine City.

Memorials may be directed to:

Randy Shaver Cancer Research & Community Fund

12800 Whitewater Drive

Hopkins, MN 55343

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapelwww.FuneralAndCremationService.com