Alvin Epema

Alvin E. Epema, age 74, of Willmar, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning, September 3rd, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar.

Services will be held at 11 A.M. Saturday, September 6th, at the Willmar Christian Reformed Church with Rev. Nathan de Vries officiating. The interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-8 P.M., Friday at the Willmar Christian Reformed Church Fellowship Hall and at the church one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society, the American Lung Association or donor's choice. Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar.

Alvin Earl Epema was born on June 13, 1934 in Crookston, Minnesota, the son of Frances (Blokzyl) and Sietze Epema. He moved as a young child, with his family to the Renville and later Morton area. There he grew up and received his education. On June 11, 1954 in Raymond, he was married to Gloria Mae Kamstra. They made their home in rural Willmar and Alvin worked for Chard Lumber Company. He did carpentry work for a short time and then started his own company, Epema Construction. Alvin was in the construction field for about 40 years before retiring in about 1997. He was a very active member of the Willmar Christian Reformed Church served on the Church Council, was a Deacon, and Elder, helped with Friendship Program and taught Sunday School for several years. Alvin and Gloria also were Foster Parents for 25 years, fostering 36 children over the years. He enjoyed being with family and friends, fishing, going to Lake Florida in the summer, water-skiing and he especially enjoyed Christmas time. Alvin loved his family and enjoyed sports, both watching and participating, and he managed the church softball teams over the years. For the past twelve years, Alvin and Gloria have wintered in Florida, where they have many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria; two sons, Michael Epema of Sioux Center, Iowa, and Randall (and Kim) Epema of Ada, Michigan; two daughters, Gwendolyn (and Neil) Kraay of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Melanie (and Leon) Negen of Pella, Iowa. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Colin (and Sarah) Kraay, Lindsey (and Bryan) Haley, Shelly Kraay, Justin (and Heather) Negen, Adam Negen, Katie Negen, Haley Epema, and Jonah Epema; one great grandson, Henry Alvin Kraay; one brother, Merle (and Rose) Epema of Clara City and two sisters, Helen (and Stanley) Hoekstra of Roseland and Lorraine (and Dennis) DeGrote of Clara City, one brother-in-law, Melvin (and Judy) Zuidema of Roseland, one sister-in-law, Marion Epema of Clara City, and a host of nieces and nephews, besides other relatives and friends. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, one brother (Richard) and one sister (Jessie Zuidema).