Albert (Al) James DeChantal, 58, of Brainerd, passed away early Tuesday, September 15 th , 2026, at his

home.

Al was born in Brainerd to Albert and Diane DeChantal. His family spent part of his childhood in Finland,

Minnesota, eventually returning to Brainerd, the community Al would call home, where he would build

a life, family, a business, and more friendships than ever could be counted.

Al worked as a Manager at Domino’s Pizza before beginning a career with UPS, but anyone who knew Al

knew he had an entrepreneurial spirit and an incredible mind for business. In 1999, armed with a bobcat

and a dream, Al started DeChantal Excavating.

Through determination, long days, hard work, and more than a little stubbornness, Al built that bobcat

and dream into a business he was incredibly proud of. One of the greatest chapters in that story came

when his son Brad joined him; father and son became business partners, working side by side and

building on what Al had started so many years before. Brad will continue what they built together,

carrying forward not only the DeChantal Excavating name but a piece of his dad with him every day.

Please be sure to remember Al when you see those trucks out and about; that is a team built on a

legacy.

All work and no play would have definitely made Al a dull boy, but that was not the case. He loved time

spent with family and friends, golfing, traveling, really good pizza, chicken wings, watching Judge Judy,

and grilling on the back deck on weekends. Wednesdays had their own special tradition: a weekly

gathering with friends to catch up, follow the world’s problems, and share a few opinions and stories. Al

called it the “Contractors Meeting”. Those who were lucky enough to be part of it knew it was much

more than contracting. It was friendship.

And then there was Kylie. From the very first time his Granddaughter wrapped her tiny fingers around

his, he was all in. She became one of the greatest joys of his life, and he was never happier these past 5

years than when he could spend time with her, from trips to the zoo, bouncy houses, and definitely ice

cream.

Al is survived by his wife, Sheila; son Brad, Daughter-in-law Brittney, four amazing grandchildren, Keira,

Ole, Jameson, and Kylie; his sister Diane (Deb), and two brothers, Chris and Steve.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Justin, and his brother Joe.

Family and Friends are invited to gather to celebrate Al’s life this Saturday, September 19 th 2026, from

10:00 a.m. to noon for visitation, with a service at noon at Halverson -Taylor Life Event Center in

Brainerd. And bring your stories – we want to hear the stories.