Alfred Frank Kindla

Alfred “Al” Frank Kindla, 91, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Al was born and raised in Bandera, Texas, a place deeply rooted in his heart. His parents were John and Frances Mazurek Kindla. He was a proud descendant of the early Polish settlers who established the Bandera community in 1855, carrying those traditions of faith, family, and hard work throughout his life.

He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Bandera ISD.

Al served his country honorably in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957. Following his service, Al attended Southwest Texas State College, where he earned a degree in Industrial Arts. It was there that he met the love of his life, Leila (Lee) Agnes Hockenjos, and they were married in 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership built on love and devotion.

Al began his career in education with his first teaching assignment in Sanderson, Texas. In 1960, Al and Lee moved to Hoonah, Alaska, where he taught science and later became an elementary school principal. There, he worked closely with Tlingit Eskimo children and families, dedicating himself to their education and making a lasting impact on the community. He enjoyed all of the hunting and fishing opportunities that the Alaska wilderness had to offer. Al also taught school in Fairbanks and Ketchikan, Alaska. In 1966, he attained his Master of Education from Southwest Texas State.

In 1971, Al and Lee returned to Bandera from Alaska, where he continued his career in education at Bandera Elementary School as a Science Teacher. Through his dedication and leadership, he later became principal and was the first principal at Alkek Elementary school, continuing to shape the lives of students and staff in the community he loved so deeply. Al retired in June of 1991 and worked daily to perfect his golf game; a sport he loved and challenged him.

As a devoted father and faithful Catholic, Al lived a life centered on his family and his faith. In 1990, he helped establish the current chapter of the Knights of Columbus and became the first Grand Knight at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Bandera, TX, a role that reflected his deep commitment to his faith and service to others. He also served in the church ministry and was a religious education teacher.

Al is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leila “Lee” Agnes Hockenjos Kindla, who passed away in August of 2013, and his eldest son, Keith Allen “Nio” Kindla, who passed away in March of 2026. Also, by his brother, John Kindla, sister, Rosemary Clark Muennink and brother Tommy Kindla.

Al is survived by his children: Suzanne Tonne (Jeff), Kelly Stine (Dave), Patti McClaugherty (Scott), Bryce Kindla (Casey) and our life-long family friend, Terry Huth. His grandchildren: Caroline & Abigail McClaugherty, Clancey Tonne, Carter & Ashley Kindla, Audrey Stine Lopez (Stino) and Alyssa Stine. And his great grandchildren: S.J. & Aiden Lopez. 

Al will be remembered for his steady guidance, kind heart, and unwavering dedication to his family, his students, and his community.He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation: Monday, April 13th, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 pm, Rosary: 7 pm, Bandera Funeral Chapel in Bandera, TX. Funeral services Tuesday, April 14, 2026. 11:00 a.m. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Bandera, TX. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bandera Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Parish Hall Fund. It was Al's heartfelt wish to one day see a new parish hall built-a place where friends, family and parishioners could gather in fellowship and community.