Alvin T. De Smet

Larchwood, IA Alvin De Smet, age 78 of Larchwood, IA died Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Fellowship Village at Inwood, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, 2008 at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA with Fr. Jeff Schleisman celebrating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Larchwood Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 12th from 2:00 " 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 " 8:00 p.m. at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. a The Church of St. Mary. Alvin Al Theodore De Smet was born November 22, 1929, in Larchwood, IA the son of Ted and Emma (Schettler) De Smet. Alvin grew up in Larchwood where he received his education. Alvin entered the United States Army and served his country from November 1950 until August 1952, during the Korean Conflict. Upon his honorable discharge he returned home to Larchwood. He was united in marriage to Darlene Schulte on October 25, 1952, in Rock Rapids. They made their home in Larchwood and started a family. He owned and operated a Repair Shop Gas Station in Larchwood for thirty-four years from 1957 until 1991. He also drove bus for forty years. During his life, Alvin was very active in his community. He was a lifelong member of the Church of St. Mary. He belonged to several clubs and lodges where he held many offices, such as: Catholic Order of Foresters, Chief Ranger; Larchwood Fire Department for 49 years, Chief, Assistant Chief, President and Secretary/Treasurer. He also was very involved in the American Legion, Flessner Post 561 of Larchwood, where he was the past Sergeant at Arms. On October 6, 2008, Alvin became a resident of Fellowship Village at Inwood where he died this past Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at the age of seventy-eight. He is survived by his wife Darlene of Larchwood; children, Deb (Mark) DeBoer of Storm Lake, IA; Dave (Sherry) De Smet of Larchwood; Wayne De Smet of Arvada, CO; Barry (Joan) De Smet of Brandon, SD; Carolyn (Mitch) Weiss of Mason City, IA; Pam (David) Morris of Arvada, CO; Sharon (Terry) Wiese of Ellsworth, IA; Tony (Jodi) De Smet of Larchwood; Joe (Christy) De Smet of Rock Valley, IA; 20 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, mother, Emma Lucas of Larchwood; four brothers, Don (Susie) De Smet of Canyon City, CO; Clete (Bev) De Smet of Larchwood; Dean (Nancy) De Smet of Omaha, NE; Gene (Audrey) of Hills, MN; two sisters, Veronica (Bob) Weins of Littleton, CO; and Jane (dec. Harold) Heirigs of Freeman, SD. Alvin was preceded in death by his father, Ted De Smet. Blessed by his memory.