Obituary of Alvin Gerald March

Alvin G. March, 85, of Dyersville died Thursday, February 27, 2014 at his home. Friends may call from 3 - 8 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2014, at Kramer Funeral Home, 750 12th Ave SW in Dyersville where a Vigil Service will be held at 5 p.m. and a Catholic Order of Foresters Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at Kramer Funeral Home with burial in St. Francis Cemetery. Rev. Noah Diehm will officiate. Alvin was born February 24, 1929 in Earlville, Iowa, to Albert and Ruth (Hunt) March. He was united in marriage to Norma Friedman on October 25, 1952. Alvin was an auto mechanic for many years, first employed at the Parkin Motor Company in Earlville and then at the Friedman Motor Company in Dyersville, a business he owned and operated with Norma beginning in 1969. He loved woodworking and instrument building in addition to crocheting intricately patterned doilies, tablecloths and afghans. He was an avid gardener and, in particular, enjoyed sharing the bounty from his remarkably large and diverse gardens. He enjoyed baking bread and cinnamon rolls, a skill which earned him top honors and blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair. Alvin took great pride in his ability to "fix" just about anything and did so with great regularity. He loved listening to music, especially the piano music of his son, the concerts and musical productions conducted by his daughter, and the cello music of his granddaughter. Most of all, Alvin enjoyed the company of family and friends. Alvin will be dearly missed by those who survive him including his beloved wife, Norma, his son, James (Kathryn) March of Sioux City, his daughter, Ann (Darwin Downing) March of Osceola, IA, his granddaughter, Stephanie March of Sioux City, a sister-in-law, Mrs. Germaine (Darley) March of Hopkins, MN, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers: Albert LeRoy (Marie), Robert (Mary Verona), Earl (Germaine), Darley, Clarence (Marie), Ernest March and a sister, Lynn March (Bernard) Doser. Memorials may be directed to The Shriners Hospitals for Children or Cancer Research at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.