Alvin Wahlert

Alvin Edward Wahlert, 84, of Anita, Iowa, passed away Sunday, October 10, 2010, at the Cass County Hospice Center in Atlantic, Iowa.

Alvin was born to Henry Wahlert and Emma (Nieman) Wahlert in rural Adair County, Iowa. He lived with his parents and sisters, Velda and Doris, on farms in Adair, Cass and Audubon Counties.

Al attended country school through the 8th grade and graduated from Anita High School with the class of 1944. Al and Betty (Hackwell) Wahlert were married in Nashua, Iowa, on April 6, 1947, in the Little Brown Church with another couple, Harley and Madonna Reisgaard from Exira. They resided in Anita for 63 years.

He worked as a mechanic in the Kloppenburg Garage after returning from the Navy in 1944. He also worked at the Anita Liquor Store, the Anita Lumber Yard, and was one of the first employees hired by Don Betts and Darwyn Beer when they established Betts and Beer Construction. He worked there for 38 years as a carpenter, crane operator, and project superintendent. After retirement in 1988, Al operated a farm.

Al was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, where he has been a member all of his life. He served as a church elder, steward and with the Lutheran Layman's League.

Al loved his family, friends and his work. He was a mentor, a teacher, a loyal friend and a devoted Christian father. He enjoyed working the land and watching his crops and livestock grow. However, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Betty (Hackwell) Wahlert of Anita, IA; six children, Jerry Wahlert of Sioux City, IA, Steve Wahlert, Kathy Blazek, Dennis Wahlert and Dave (Tina) Wahlert all of Anita, IA, and Becky (Mark) Meyer of Powhattan, KS; grandchildren, Erika (Rocky) Walker of Bellevue, NE, Kayt Wahlert of Washington, D.C., Marty (Anna) Wahlert of Herrenberg, Germany, Arin (Kyla) Blazek of Winona, MN, Amber (Jason) Taliaferro of Topeka, KS, Craig (Amanda) Wahlert of Ankeny, IA, Ryan (Sara) Wahlert of Ankeny, IA, Jen Wahlert of Ankeny, IA, Nicholas, Zachary and Brookelyn Wahlert of Anita, IA, Emily, Sadie and Joey Meyer of Powhattan, KS; great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Rockelle, Logan and Elliana Walker of Bellevue, NE, Cooper and Macey Blazek of Winona, MN, Daphna, Ailey and Paisley Wahlert of Ankeny, IA, Madison Resendez of Ankeny, IA, Mira and Ava Taliaferro of Topeka, KS, Milena and Elisa Wahlert of Herrenberg, Germany; sister, Velda (Bryon) Buhrman of Omaha, NE; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lynn (Carol) Dorsey of Anita, IA, Dale (Carol) Hackwell of Jesup, IA, Evelyn (Larry) Jacobsen of Menlo, IA, Sharon (Roy) Alliss of Dexter, IA; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceding Alvin in death were his mother and father, Henry and Emma (Nieman) Wahlert; sister Doris (Lynn) Dorsey; brother and sister-in-law, Nadene and Raymond Mortensen.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 13, 2010, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Anita, Iowa.

Visitation with family will be from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at Hockenberry Funeral Home in Anita.

Burial will take place at a later date.