Alvin E. Jansen

VISITATION

Friday, November 14, 2008

4:00 PM

Ohde Funeral Home

Manning, Iowa

Funeral Service

Saturday, November 15, 2008, 10:30 AM

Ohde Funeral Home

Manning, Iowa

Officiating

Pastor Jeff Erlemeier

Abundant Life Church, Harlan, Iowa

Ruth Anne Ohde, Celebrant

Music

All In All?      Amazing Grace?

Battle Hymn Of The Republic?

Rebecca Erlemeier, Vocalist & Accompanist

Casket Bearers

Alvins Grandchildren

Kirk Merriman   Trebor Merriman   Rachael Phelan Shane Jansen   Jenny Muhlbauer   Tatum Knop

Matthew Benning   Jessica Ford   Kristy Jansen   Nicole Claeys   Cassie Jansen   Jake Jansen   Brett Mohr

Interment with Military Honors

Iowa Township Cemetery

Crawford County, Iowa

American Legion Emil Ewoldt Post 22

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3517

Taps?    Mark Jansen

   Alvin Emil, son of Henry and Anna (Kuhl) Jansen, was born September 17, 1927, in Manilla, Iowa. He grew up on a farm near Aspinwall and then moved with his family into Aspinwall where he attended school through the eighth grade. He then attended Manning High School until 1944 when, at the age of 17 years, he enlisted into the United States Navy and received advanced training with the Marine Corps at Davidsville, Rhode Island. He was assigned to the Construction Battalion and aided in construction of roads, runways and bridges. Alvin was involved in the invasion of Okinawa and Hki Selinca. Later he was sent to China to build an airfield. Alvin was aboard the destroyer Duncan when it was blasted by an explosion 200 miles at sea. He was injured in that blast and was hospitalized for two months before he was honorably discharged in 1948.

   Upon his return to Aspinwall, he was united in marriage with Clariss Christian on December 3, 1948. They lived in Omaha for a short time before returning to live permanently in Aspinwall. Six children were born to this union. Alvin maintained roads for Crawford County for 32 years. He assisted in construction of gravel and oil roads in southeastern Crawford County. He used a road grader to keep the proper slope for drainage, salvage aggregate, snow and ice removal and repair frost, flood and wind damage. In 1986 he began a long association with the Center for Transportation Research and Education at Iowa State University by instructing county employees. Through this association, he was sent to Volkov, Russia, in 1995 to teach land owners to build and maintain roads in order to deliver produce to market.

   Alvin was very involved with the community of Aspinwall serving on the city council for several years and as mayor for five years. He also served on the school board.

   Alvin had suffered numerous health problems the past few years. However, his death at his home in Aspinwall after returning from taking a ride with Clariss (one of their favorite past times) on Wednesday, November 12, 2008, was sudden and unexpected. He was 81 years, 1 month and 26 days of age.

   Preceding Alvin in death are his parents; brother Harry Jansen and his wife Irene; three sisters: Augusta and husband Roy Georgius; Emma and husband Cy Steffen and Hilda and Averill Vinke.   He is survived by his wife Clariss Jansen of Aspinwall; six children: Tam and husband Bob Merriman of Manning; Tom Jansen and wife Carol of Hurst, TX; Teresa Benning of Avoca; Ted Jansen and wife Ronda of Aspinwall; Tim Jansen and wife Jodie of Carroll; Terri and husband Bruce Mohr of Ute; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.