Brustkern, Alvin N.

Alvin N. Brustkern, 90, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Independence and Rowley, died Wednesday evening, Dec. 8, 2010, at Hallmar Nursing Home in Cedar Rapids.

Alvin was born Oct. 4, 1920, in Eagle Center, Iowa, the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Klein) Brustkern. He was united in marriage to Lois L. Klinger on Feb. 22, 1941, at St. John's Catholic Church in Waterloo. The couple farmed south of Waterloo for five years before moving to a farm near Rowley and then moving into Independence in 1987.

He is survived by three sons, David of Des Moines, Alvin of Morrison, Ill., and Tim (Pam) Brustkern of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Marguerite Wilharm and Marjorie Schwickerath, both of Waterloo; three brothers, Leo Brustkern and Garold Brustkern, both of La Porte City, and Peter Brustkern of Gilbertville; and many nieces and nephews, especially Jim Brust.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois, in 2003; a sister, Marie Thiry; and a brother, Melvin Brustkern.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, with the Rev. Paul McManus officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Independence. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. today at Reiff Funeral Home in Independence, where a rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. and parish vigil service held at 7 p.m.

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