Alvin Taylor, 96

Feb. 2, 1927 - 

Nov. 28, 2023

 

PROTIVIN - Alvin Taylor, age 96, of Protivin passed away on Nov. 28, 2023 at Regional Health Services of Howard County, Cresco.

Alvin was born on Feb. 2, 1927 to Fred and Frances (Strnad) Taylor on the family’s farm. He was the second child of the couple's four children. Alvin attended country school and helped on the family farm. In his teenage years he held various jobs in the off season of farm work.

On Sept. 11, 1950 he married the love of his life, Bea Berka, and they were married 69 years.  To this union four children were born: Darrell, Harlan, Lynelle and Allen.

In their early years of marriage they farmed and owned part of the Protivin livestock yards for which was a buying station for hogs to sell to Oscar Mayer.  They eventually decided to go full-time into farming and raising livestock on their farm north of Protivin. They had farms by Protivin, Cresco and rural Spillville.  Later in life, they moved to town, but continued to farm and raise beef cattle.

Alvin enjoyed farming, fishing, turtle fishing (he made the best turtle stew) and Czech music as well as spending time with friends and family.  He met and knew many people throughout his years and always had a smile.

Alvin’s faith was very important to him. He was a long time member of the Holy Trinity Parish and Catholic Workmen KDs. He was a wonderful husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa.  Memories of him will always be a treasure.

Alvin is survived by children, Darrell of Seattle, Wash., Harlan (Avis) of Sumner, Lynelle (Owen) Grube of Kasson, Minn. and grandchildren, Zoie Taylor of West Des Moines, Julie (Jordan) Kruse of Waverly, Greg (Wendy) Grube of Andover, Minn., Laurie Grube of Austin, Tex., Amanda (Jason) Hovey of Preston, Minn., Nick (Melissa) Taylor of Plainfield and Tiffany (Chris) Griffin of Louisiana, Mo. and 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Bea, son Allen, his parents Fred and Frances, in-laws John and Lucy Berka, sister-in-law Arlene and two great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Alvin will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Protivin, with Fr. Nick Radloff officiating.  Visitation for Alvin will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Church prior to the start of the service on Friday.  Burial will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery. 

Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home in Protivin is assisting the family.