Alvin Starkenburg, age 93, died Friday, January 2, 2015, at Dakota Sun Assisted Living in Volga, South Dakota. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at the Volga Christian Reformed Church, with interment in Trinity Cemetery at Volga. Visitations will be from 5-7 P.M. Monday, January 5, at Eidsness Funeral Chapel in Volga. Memorials may be directed to the Volga Christian School building fund or to Gideons International. Alvin John Starkenburg was born April 17, 1921, at Volga, South Dakota, to John and Grace (Lengkeek) Starkenburg. He attended country schools through the eighth grade. His early employment included working at the Volga Creamery. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II for three years and three months. During that time he was an anti-aircraft gunner in the South Pacific. Only weeks before Alvin left to serve his country, he began dating the love of his life, Alice Van Beek. Their courtship was all through letters and telegraphs. They were married on June 24, 1946, shortly after his discharge from the Army. Before buying their farm northwest of Volga, Alvin worked as a hired hand for Lester Kleinjan. Alvin loved to travel. Even when times were tough, the family managed to at least go to the Black Hills, which became their favorite place to visit. Besides traveling, Alvin enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and keeping track of the weather. Alvin was a member of the Volga Christian Reformed Church, where he served as Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and Elder. He was a member of Gideons International. He never missed a chance to witness God's Love to others. Survivors include his children: Duane (Joan) Starkenburg of Willmar, Minnesota, Donna (Bern) Doornbos of Wyoming, Michigan, Stanley (Jean) Starkenburg of Palmyra, New York, Shirley (Keith) Van Duyn of Bruce, South Dakota, and Sheldon (Pamela) Starkenburg of Pella, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Ken ( Marilyn) Starkenburg, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, in 1995; a daughter-in-law, Pat Starkenburg; and a brother, Don (Hilda) Starkenburg.