Alfred Earl Shaulis
June 6, 1930 – September 16, 2025
Alfred Earl Shaulis of Blaine, WA, a highly decorated Veteran of the Berlin Air Lift, Korean War and Vietnam War, passed away peacefully from natural causes September 16, 2025 at St. Joseph Hospital in Bellingham, WA, at the age of 95.
Alfred was born to Emery Earl Shaulis and Edwinna Allegra Faust Shaulis on June 6, 1930 in Stahlstown, PA. Alfred was the oldest of five siblings. They lived a poor, hillbilly lifestyle in Pennsylvania. What they did not have in money, they had in family love. This is where Alfred’s love and strong loyalty to family began and remained forever.
In 1947, Alfred enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, which later became the US Air Force. He proudly and honorably served 22 years in the Air Force retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant on July 31, 1969.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, Alfred worked as a bartender at the Pastime Tavern in Blaine, WA. That experience led him to partnering with Dolph Hill and they opened Bill’s Tavern in Blaine. After selling the tavern, Alfred attended Bellingham Vo-Tech and used his GI Bill to complete the Appliance Repair Program. After the completion of this program, he opened Al’s Appliance Repair in Blaine where he worked on appliances and helped many customers in Blaine, Birch Bay and the surrounding communities. Alfred “officially” retired in 2016 at the age of 86. Alfred continued to receive calls and requests for help for many years after his retirement.
Alfred was an active volunteer for many organizations and was a Lifetime Member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War and the Fraternal Order of Eagles where he held different positions including Commander and Chaplain.
Alfred had many, many hobbies and passions which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. His interests included coin collecting, hunting, fishing, gardening and watching sports. He was always torn when the Steelers played the Seahawks and was a staunch Seattle Mariners follower. He loved to tell stories and everyone loved to listen to him. He enjoyed watching the hummingbirds outside his window and never met a pie, snickerdoodle or shaker of salt he didn’t like.
Along with his pride for the USA, his honesty, loyalty and work ethic, Alfred was known for his big smile, hearty laugh and his big, strong, giant bear hugs.
Alfred is survived by his five children; Denise Lutes of St. Charles, MO, Donda Peterson of Marysville, WA, Tamera (Mike) Giovanni of Olympia, WA, Brenda (Rick) Sturrock of Blaine, MSGT (RET) Bradley Earl (Janet) Shaulis of Great Falls, MT, nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, sister Shirley Natale of Weddington, NC, half-siblings, brother Richard (Karen) Shawley, of Ruffs Dale, PA, sisters Glenna Telford of Ligonier, PA, and Edwinna Gay Stubbs, of Yukon, PA, and numerous nieces and nephews, and many cherished friends.
Alfred was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Helena (Terry), who passed on the same exact date, 17 years prior. Also passing before him were his parents, sisters Loretta Barnes, Shirlene Vaslavsky, Charlotte Fadorsen, brother Everette Shaulis, son-in-law Marvin Lutes, son-in-law Calvin Beyerlin and his grandson Benjamin Earl Shaulis.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 4, at 2 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 702 G Street, Blaine, WA.
Alfred will be interred at Green Acres in Ferndale, WA at a private family gathering.
In lieu of flowers, Alfred wished for memorial donations to be made to his local VFW Post, #9474 Custer WA, which helps and supports Veterans of Foreign War. VFW P.O. Box 405, Custer, WA 98240.
