"I was privileged to be his pastor at the time of his retirement. He was a good man, and I remember him well. My father was born on August 4, 1922 .. but passed away at Christmas 4 years ago. Both men grew up at a time when men were mostly honest and hard working, placed their families first. I'm grateful for the memories .. and my prayers are with the families. Rev Richard L Sumner, retired September, 2020"
In loving memory of
Alvin Leon Kurfman
September 4, 1922 - February 21, 2021
Alvin L. Kurfman, age 98, of Quincy died on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at 12:20 am in Good Samaritan Home.
He was born September 4, 1922 in Siloam, Illinois, the son of William Ross and Elizabeth Wing Kurfman. On April 17, 1945 he married Goldie L. Bowen in Hannibal, MO. She preceded him in death on July 6, 2009.
Alvin was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church, having become a member in 1956. He was a life member of the National Rifle Association, a member of the Illinois Bowhunters Association, and the International Association of Machinists Union. He was a machinist at Gardner Denver company and retired in 1984 after 33 years.
Alvin truly was the complete outdoorsman. He was an avid fisherman, especially fly fishing. He was a hunter who specialized in bow hunting. He also loved camping, canoeing, and absolutely anything outdoors related. He had unbelievable tracking and trapping skills. His wealth of knowledge about the outdoors was unmatched. Alvin didn't just enjoy nature; he truly understood how it worked and how it was all connected.
The most important thing in Alvin's life was Jesus Christ. He was a man who had truly been transformed by the power of the Gospel. He exemplified the qualities of love, compassion, kindness, and patience, and lived a Christ-like existence. He touched all those around him in powerful transformative ways. He was always there to help those in need.
Survivors include: his son, Gary Leon (Beth) Kurfman of Quincy; three grandchildren, Reagan Leon (Natalie) Kurfman of Marion, IA, Elijah Edward Kurfman of Quincy, and Lydia Rose Kurfman of Quincy; a great granddaughter, Autumn Grace Kurfman, and another great grandchild on the way. Alvin's faithful dog, Dillion, has gone to live with Gary and Beth. In addition to his wife, Alvin was preceded in death by: his parents, 12 sisters, Ruth Butler, Luarance Kurfman, Esther Bennett, Dolly Kurfman, Bertha McPhail, Pearl Baxa, Margaret Davis, Vivian Smith, Evangeline Dougherty, Lois Jones, Doris "Jean" Hamann, and Marian Mayfield; and a brother, William Clyde Kurfman. Alvin was the final member of his family's generation.
Visitation: 4:30 to 7:00 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.
Services: 11:00 am on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Wayne Manago and Gary Kurfman officiating.
Burial: Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, Illinois
Memorials may be made toCalvary Baptist Church or to Gary Kurfman to be used for the granddaughter and great granddaughters education. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Very compassionate uncle. He leaves a vacuum In humanity."
"Much love to my extended Kurfman family. Thinking of you during this difficult time. They are all together now ?? "