Holtorf, Alvin Lewis (1933-2017)
HOLTORF, KLEEN, JANSSEN, HARTMAN, RIPPENTROP, JESSEN, JOHNSON, ELLIS, WHITCOME, WELP, NELSON, SALSBURG, MATTHEWS, HEIMDAL, PANNKUK, WEILAND, KAPLER
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/19/2017 at 15:58:13
Alvin Lewis Holtorf
August 06, 1933 - March 21, 2017Alvin “Al” Lewis Holtorf, age 83, formerly of Motley, Minnesota, died peacefully on March 21, 2017, at his home at Forest Plaza Assisted Living in Forest City, Iowa.
The fourth of seven children, Alvin was born on August 6, 1933, to John and Jenny (Kleen) Holtorf in Pomeroy, Iowa. During his childhood, the family moved to various farms from Pomeroy to Ringsted and then to the Titonka and Woden area. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, Al graduated from Woden High School in 1951 and started farming with his dad. In 1954, he wed Agnes Janssen. They, later, divorced. Their union, however, was blessed with four children: Cindy, Julie, Jim, and Tim. The family lived near Woden on a dairy farm. In time, Alvin became involved with and served first on the Buffalo Center Creamery Board and then on the corporate board of AMPI. This position gave him the opportunity to travel to many cities while serving his fellow dairymen.
A lifelong Christian, he served in many capacities within his church from council member to Luther League leader and Lutheran Brotherhood member. Always willing to help anyone in need, he donated the use of his trailer for youth group trips and provided general maintenance as well.
In 1979, he married Marlene Dolphin Hartman, thereby gaining a stepson, Rick, and a stepdaughter, Melinda. After moving to northern Minnesota near Long Prairie, they fell in love with the great outdoors. In addition, they grew flowers for a local co-op, raised strawberries for a U-Pick Strawberry Patch, and kept busy with woodworking and crafting shows. After Marlene’s passing, Alvin resumed his love of riding motorcycles. Indeed, he took a particularly memorable trip when he rode his Harley to Alaska. Moreover, he joined the CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) where he met many wonderful people, rode bikes, and participated in many fundraisers. His friendship remained strong with many members of the group even after he moved back to Iowa. He took great pleasure in his mission trips with Samaritan’s Purse to Louisiana to aid in the clean-up after Hurricane Katrina.
Alvin, especially, valued his family and is survived by his daughters: Cindy (Dennis) Rippentrop, of Charles, City, Iowa, and Julie (Keith) Jessen, of Fertile, Iowa; his sons: Jim Holtorf, of Henning, Minnesota, and Tim (Amy) Holtorf, of Nine Mile Falls, Washington; his stepchildren, Rick and Melinda Hartman; his grandchildren: Heather (Randy) Ellis, Matthew and Mandy Hartman, Micah (Mikala) Heimdal, Mackenzie and Bailey Holtorf, Jamie (Mikel) Johnson, Rosey Matthews, Katie (Ryan) Jessen Nelson, Dustin (Danielle) and Brandon Rippentrop, Kassi (Scott) Salsburg, Kelli (Matt) Welp, Amber (Eric) Whitcome; eighteen great-grandkids; and his siblings: Norman (Lenora) Holtorf, of Hastings, Minnesota, LuElla (Bernard) Pannkuk, of Britt, Iowa, LaVern (Jane) Holtorf, of Ankeny, Iowa, Mary Weiland, of Nevada, Iowa, and Lori (Jim) Kapler, of Urbandale, Iowa; as well as by many special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; his wife, Marlene; his brother, Bob Holtorf; his sisters-in-law, Marvella Holtorf and Lois Holtorf; his brother-in-law, Roland Weiland; and a great-grandson, Ryan Johnson.
The family thanks the staff at Forest Plaza Assisted Living for their excellent care and support.
A memorial visitation will be held Friday, April 7, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Forest Plaza Assisted Living, 635 B E US Hwy 9, Forest City, Iowa, 50436. A homecoming service will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Evangelical Free Church, 1354 -320th Street, Cushing, Minnesota. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour before the service. Burial will follow at the Scandia Valley Cemetery, Cushing, Minnesota.
Mittelstadt Funeral Home, 2017.
Winnebago Obituaries maintained by Cheryl Siebrass.
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