Alvin Knapper

June 2, 1926 - December 29, 2015 , age 89, of Clara City, died Tuesday, December 29, in Eagan, Minnesota.   Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, January 2, at Roseland Reformed Church with Rev. Donald Plantinga officiating.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, January 1, at Roseland Reformed Church and will continue one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  Arrangements are with Tri-County Funeral Home in Prinsburg (www.tricountyfuneral.com).   Alvin Albert Knapper was born on June 2, 1926, on the family farm south of Roseland to Albert and Marie (Negen) Knapper.  He attended country school #87 through the 8th grade.  In October 1946, Alvin was united in marriage to Lorraine Bulthuis and four children were born to this union: Lowell, Roger, Jacklyn and Valerie.  Alvin did odd jobs like corn shelling, mostly day labor until he starting farming.  He farmed south of Roseland, and in the Svea and Pennock areas before moving to Lorraine’s parents’ farm in Roseland.  He retired from farming at the age of 62.  In July 2015, Alvin and Lorraine moved to the Clara City Care Center.   He was a charter member of First Reformed Church in Willmar and was an active member of Roseland Reformed Church.  Alvin was a metal man but to his family he was “our scrapper”.  He was a member of the Pairs and Spares group.  He also enjoyed a month long mission trip to the Philippines. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.   He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Lorraine; three children, Roger (and Leann) Knapper of Clara City, Jacklyn (and David) Marcus of Orange City, FL, and Valerie (and Thomas) Dolezal of Lonsdale; a daughter-in-law, Connie Knapper of Clara City; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; a brother, Randall (and Janet) Knapper of Loveland, CO; a sister, Beth Johnson of Willmar; a brother-in-law, James Bulthuis of Eden Prairie; two sisters-in-law, Lois Aalderks of Renville and Gladys Knapper of Willmar; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Lowell in 2013; a sister, Mona Schneiderman; two brothers, Hank Knapper and Jimmie Knapper; a great-granddaughter, Lily Sachs; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.    

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