"Bruce, Judy & family, so sorry to hear about Mavis. I will be thinking and praying for my good friends."
Mavis J. Van Alstine, 86, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Marian Home.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. Kendall Myer officiating. Entombment will follow at North Lawn Cemetery. A visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.
Those thankful for the love and time shared with her are husband of 67 years, Gail; sons, Bruce and wife, Judy of Thor; Clark and wife, Jennifer of Belton, MO; daughters, Linda White of Gowrie; Carla and husband, Rob Schreier of Fort Dodge; fourteen grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Joe Sherman and wife, Charlotte of Webster City and many nieces and a nephew.
Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Grace (Hartwig) Sherman; sister, Myetha (Vince) Bobenhouse; in-laws, William and Pearl (Tubbs) Van Alstine; brother-in-law, Gaylord Van Alstine.
Mavis Sherman was born September 26, 1934 in Manson. In 1942, she and her family moved to Fort Dodge where she attended Butler and then St. Paul's Lutheran Schools. She graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School in 1952. Following high school, she attended AIB in Des Moines where she received her degree in Stenograph.
Mavis was united in marriage to Gail L. Van Alstine on September 6, 1953 in Fort Dodge. They made their home in Fort Dodge and Mavis worked in the office at the Fort Dodge Limestone. She then became a homemaker, raising four children of her own plus 30 foster children. She was a volunteer for St. Paul's Mission House for 30 years and retired in March of 2000. She was a hospital volunteer and gift shop buyer. She was active in many clubs; Neighborhood Group, President of Ladies Aid at St. Paul's, Cub Scout Den Mother, Campfire board member and leader, Lutheran Family Services, Auxiliary Red Cross where she was helpful after the Manson tornado and the Fort Dodge Wakonsa Hotel fire. Mavis was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Her love for always helping others earned her awards from Service to Mankind, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Woodward State School and Hospitals, VFW, Community service awards and several others.
Mavis enjoyed her family and friends, volunteering, reading, gardening, writing letters, baking, puzzles, scrapbooking, ironing, and of course Elvis.
Memorials may be left to the Hospice Home and St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
"Bruce, Judy & family, so sorry to hear about Mavis. I will be thinking and praying for my good friends."
"My condolences to Mavis? family - I will always remember her love of helping others. She was so kind & gracious. Trina Vodraska "
"Carla, may God be with you and your family during this time of lost. Mavis was such a kind person and always helping others in her volunteer efforts. She will be missed by all that had the great fortune of meeting her. God Bless, Shirley J. Clayton"
"So sorry to hear this. It's been a lot of years since I have talked to you Linda, but I fondly remember the time we spent together growing up. Your Mom was a great lady!"
"Dear Gail, Bruce (Judy), Linda, Clark, Carla and all your loved ones, Please accept my deepest sympathies. May God be with you at this difficult time. I fondly recall you Mom. She was always smiling, so genuine and caring to me. I just know my Dad and Mom (Bob and Barb Hill) are embracing her at this moment and welcoming her into heaven . Please find comfort in the knowledge your Mom is at peace. She is watching over you with a big smile and resting in the loving arms of Jesus. God Bless. Sincerely, Scott "
"May you find joy in your memories, and peace in your sorrow. "
"I am so sorry to read this Carla. Your Mom was an amazing lady who always inspired me with her actions an volunteering efforts. She was a smart lady. I always enjoyed visiting with her and seeing her beautiful smile. You and all your family are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. With love, Lori Mundie Lewis"