In loving memory of

Alvin Paul Keuning
May 18, 1946 - November 6, 2018

Alvin Paul Keuning, age 72 of Monroe, passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 10, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church. Burial will follow at Gifford Cemetery, east of Monroe. Visitation will take place on Friday, November 9, 2018 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the church. The family will greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church or the Monroe Fire and Rescue. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

The son of Ray and Anna (Decker) Keuning, Alvin was born on May 18, 1946 in Newton, Iowa. He grew up on a farm west of Monroe. A life-long member of the Prairie City Christian Reformed Church, he was married to Lana Beyer there on November 26, 1965 and served as both deacon and elder for multiple terms. An active member of the community, Alvin served in many roles over the years, including: Fairview Township Trustee, Jasper County Fair dairy superintendent, Mid-America Dairymen Board member, and Two Rivers Co-op board member. In addition, he served two separate terms on the local school board, was an active Kiwanis member and hosted countless school children for a trip to the farm. As long time Fairview Township Trustee Treasurer, his deep sense of commitment to the community was seen when it was time to purchase a new ambulance or fire truck to meet the needs of the community. He was honored at the 2018 Old Settlers Reunion as the Kiwanis Citizen of the Year.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Lana; four children, Leslie (Greg) Duinink, Lisa (Roger) Conlan, Jennifer Keuning and Judd (Kris) Keuning; four grandchildren, John Conlan, Henry Conlan, Meredith Conlan and RaeAnn Duinink and two brothers, Tom (Paula) Keuning and Keith (Cheryl) Keuning and their children. Preceding Alvin in death were his parents.

Tributes

Doug Roorda wrote on Nov 17, 2018:

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints (Ps. 116). May the Lord comfort and keep the family in your loss. Doug Roorda"

Cindy Stowers wrote on Nov 9, 2018:

"So sorry to hear! Lots of memories of the farm and playing in the hay loft! Prayers for you all. "

Janet Wallace wrote on Nov 8, 2018:

"With Sympathy and Love to All of the Alvin Keuning Family. I have Very Fond Memories of Our Good Times Together showing cattle and District 10 Meetings???????and Alvin?s laugh are memories I will treasure Forever. Thank You Dear Man. Janet (Griffin) Wallace"

Cameron Jones wrote on Nov 8, 2018:

"Alvin was such a great person to have known. I always knew that I'd hear his chuckle and feel like every time I was around him it was going to be a fun time. He was always such a positive man. He'll be missed. -Cameron Jones"

John and Marian Griffin wrote on Nov 8, 2018:

"Oh the many good memories we have of Alvin and all of you. Our thoughts and and many prayers to all of you. He was one of the most jovial men I know. He will indeed be missed by many. He was sooo proud of his family. Love to all. John and Marian"

John and Linda Brannen wrote on Nov 8, 2018:

"Our deepest sympathy to all of Alvin's family. We have known Alvin almost all of our life. He was a great guy that we will remember for his positive, caring, helping, and happy way of life. We have appreciated all of his community involvement. Even though we are unable to attend the services, your family remains in our thoughts and prayers. John and Linda Brannen "

Todd and Karla Jones wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"We are going to miss this wonderful man, and one that was like another father to our children. He helped our children become "little" farmers, gardeners and learners with the time they spend with Alvin and his family on the farm. We will always remember his contagious laugh and smile and all that he did for our children and our family. He will be missed. Peace to Alvin's family. "

LON PEARSON wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE ENTIRE FAMILY. IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE KNOWN ALVIN AND BE HIS NEIGHBOR FOR MOST OF MY LIFE. HE WAS A GOOD MAN AND THE WORLD WAS A BETTER PLACE WITH HIM IN IT. HE WILL BE MISSED. "

Derrick Seibert wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Dear Keuning Family, I'm sorry to hear of Alvin's passing. I remember my first school trip to the farm in elementary school. I always enjoyed talking with Alvin when he was at all of Judd's wrestling meets. All the best to your family. Derrick"

Jane (Hopkins) Taylor wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Lana and family. You and Al have been long-time, life-long friends. You know how he always made me smile no matter what. I am so sorry for your loss and will send up some prayers for you along with hugs to you and your family. I can not attend the service but please know I'll hold you in my heart along with Al and all the fond memories, fun times and many laughs we've shared. Again, my sympathies. Janie (Hopkins) Taylor"

Amber Cushatt wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"I'm sorry for your loss. Such a kind gentleman! My grandfather worked with his wife lana at grandma's kitchen in monroe. "

Lila Terlouw Berger wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"I'm sorry for your loss. As neighbors out in the country, the Keuning boys always made me laugh(and sometimes played jokes on me) when I cleaned for their mom. My family will pray for yours at this difficult time. Lila (Terlouw) Berger and family"

Diane and Terry Crady wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Alvin loved his family, his community, and farming. He always had a joke or funny story and he loved to make people laugh. We loved seeing him in the diner. If we were out when he went by our house in his 4 wheeler he would always wave. He will be missed by many. "

Sharon Doolittle wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Al during the school reorganization and attending wrestling meets. Always very friendly and always seemed so happy. Sharon Doolittle"

Shirley Lanphier wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Lana and family.... thinking of each of you during this difficult time...Alvin was such a great man ,whether it was having fun or doing serious business...very dedicated to our community and our school system. He will certainly be missed. Prayers for your family."

Teresa Keller wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. While I never met your Dad, I do feel like I know him based on the many stories you shared with me over the years. I know you're Dad is proud of the woman you became and that he loved you so very much. While time will not heal this loss, it will help you to come to live with the loss. You're Dad is your Dad and can never be replaced and the loss is one that will be felt for years to come. May GOD bless you and your family and help you during this very difficult time. "

Sue Blinstrub wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"To Jen......I want to extend my most heartfelt condolences to you and your family on your Dad's passing. My thoughts are with you during your journey through grief. A life well lived is truly a precious gift. God Bless........Sue (Laurie's Mom) ."

John Burg wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Thoughts and prayers for the Keuning family!"

Laurie Fischer wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Laurie Fischer To my amazing friend Jen and her family..... Caring thoughts are with you and your family. Alvin will always be with you because every time I look at Jen and the rest of the siblings I see Alvin shining through. My thoughts are with you. "

Shawn Emmack wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Keuning Family, I?m so sad to hear about Alvin?s psssing. He was such a prominant man in the heart of the Monroe School District and the community in general. He loved kids and took a leadership role in our development as a school district and especially to teach us about agriculture. I can only imagine how great a father and husband he was to his Family. Our sincerest condolences and Prayers from the Emmack Family. Shawn, Shanone and Connor"

Kyla Bandstra wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"Jim and I will always feel there is an empty spot at our kitchen table. Alvin spent lots of hours there and that ornery laugh will forever be in our hearts. He was a great friend, community member and all around wonderful man. Our hearts go out to all of you even though we all know he is in a better place!"

Alicia Briles wrote on Nov 7, 2018:

"I can?t even begin to express my sadness for the Keuning family. My heart goes out to each and every one of them. Alvin meant the world to a lot of people, family or not! He was always there to support all of us and our kids in every sport they played! He couldn?t have been more proud of the kids no matter if they won or lost, just an amazing supporter of our schools and sports!! I was one of those kids that got to take a field trip out to their home to see the dairy farm in action!! My heart aches for this family! All my love & prayers to them in their time of grieving. ?????"

Stacy Metzger-Moore wrote on Nov 6, 2018:

"My deepest sympathy to the whole family... keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers. Alvin was such wonderful man, he will be truly miss by all."

Bill and Jodi Johnson. wrote on Nov 6, 2018:

"Alvin was a man I've known since high school. He loved his family so much and was a proud man. He was liked and loved by so many and his legacy will be forever embedded in this community for many years to come. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. "

Dennis Uitermarkt wrote on Nov 6, 2018:

"I'm glad I was able to know Alvin, so much fun to be around, his suffering is over, and some day we'll all be together again,praise God !!!!"

Denny and Dee Kinkiad wrote on Nov 6, 2018:

"Our hearts go out to all of you in the passing of Alvin!!! "