Alvin Jans

Alvin J. "Grandpa" Jans, age 81, of Grove City, MN, died Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at the Bethesda Pleasantview in Willmar, MN. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2008, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City, MN with Pastor Michael Likens officiating. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Friday at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery in Grove City, MN with Military Honors by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. Alvin John Jans, the son of William and Edna (Schuknecht) Jans, was born on January 9, 1927, in Worthington, MN. He received his education at Fulda District #109. Alvin served in the U.S. Army as a combat soldier during the Korean War. On March 22, 1953 he was united in marriage to Arleen Barrett in Dundee, MN. They lived on the Jans farm near Dundee for two years and then lived in Windom for five years before moving to their farm near Grove City. He was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Grove City, MN serving on the church council many times. He also served on the Swede Grove Township board for more than 25 years. Alvin enjoyed touring, social gatherings, high school sports especially the grandkids’ sports and spending time with family, shaking dice and having coffee with friends. Alvin was adopted as grandpa by many. Alvin is survived by his children; Greg (and Nickie) Jans of Grove City, MN, Brad (and Bonnie) Jans of Grove City, MN, Amy (and Doug) Gilbertson of Spicer, MN, 4 grandchildren; Codey (and Duane) Fester, Joseph (and Krista) Jans, Laura Jans, Chelsea Jans, 5 great grandchildren; Jordan Fester, Tanner Fester, Taylor Fester, Eric Fester, Liberty Jans, and brothers; Harvey (and Shirley) of Avoca, MN, John (and Joyce) of Dundee, MN and Duane (and Marilyn) of Fulda, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arleen and brothers Kenny and Stanley.