Al was born and raised in Bandera, Texas.

His parents were John and Frances Mazurek Kindla. He was a proud descendant of the early Polish settlers who settled in Bandera in 1855.

He attended St. Joseph Catholic School and Bandera ISD.

Al served his country in US Army from 1955 to 1957. Following his service, Al attended Southwest Texas State College, where he earned a degree in Industrial Arts and met his wife, Leila (Lee) Hockenjos, and they were married in 1959.

Al began his career in education in Sanderson, Texas. In 1960, Al and Lee moved to Hoonah, Alaska, where he taught science and later became an elementary school principal. 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, where he was an elementary Science teacher and then Bandera Elementary principal. He later became the first principal at Alkek Elementary school.

Al retired in June of 1991 and worked daily to perfect his golf game, a sport he loved and that challenged him.

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. 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 2013, and his eldest son, Keith Allen “Nio” Kindla, who passed away in March 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.

Services were held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.