Alvin J Vopat

Alvin Joseph Vopat, loving dad, grandpa, great grandpa, son, brother, husband, uncle, friend and one of the all-around good guys, was called by the Lord on Monday, May 18, 2015 at the amazing age of 95. Alvin was born in Hyde County, South Dakota to Joseph and Emma Vopat on December 31, 1919. During his formative years he spent any spare time on the baseball field if he wasn't in the fields farming with family. By the time he was 15 his adventurous side kicked into high gear. He joined the CCC's (Civilian Conservation Corp) which lead to joining the Navy at age 17, serving on the USSCV3 Saratoga and Makassar Strait CVE91 and reached the rank of Aviation Boatson Mate 1st Class when honorably discharged in January, 1947. After a short time farming, he moved to the Black Hills and worked in the mines, then St Paul for schooling in carpentry and selling cars. In the early 1950s he moved to Sioux City and finished his working career at Swifts Packing Plant where he retired in 1982. He met his wife June and married in 1954, raising 5 children. Alvin will be remembered as a man who could plant anything in the soil and watch it grow, camping and square dancing, reading about and watching shows of old time westerns and never missing an episode of Lawrence Welk. More importantly he loved traveling, having a pet nearby to love unconditionally , and having a good chat with family and friends. He never met a stranger because of his ability to make friends easily. His positive and optimistic nature along with a wonderful sense of humor provided him with a full and loving life. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, older sister and older brother Leona and Lambert, wife June and son Roger. He is survived by his daughters Jackie Spell, Houston, Texas, Hazel Jackson, Spring, Texas, Donna Roberts, Channelview, Texas, and Linda Arend, Tulsa Oklahoma; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Viewing and funeral services will be held at 1:00 Thursday, May 20 at the Black Hills Funeral Home, 1440 Junction Ave, Sturgis, South Dakota followed by military graveside services at the Black Hills National Cemetery. He will be fondly missed and remain in our hearts forever.