Alvin Dee Litwiller's Obituary
My dear Husband, our Dad, and Papa, Alvin Dee Litwiller was born on February 13, 1946 toDon and Mandena Decker Litwiller in Harrison Michigan. The Angels came for him in the earlymorning hours of July 20, 2017 just 5 weeks after he was diagnosed with cancer.Shortly after his birth he moved with his family to DeRidder, LA. His growing up years werespent on the family farm. He received his formal education in DeRidder, La.He answered the call of God at the age of 12, and was baptized into the Church of God inChrist Mennonite on December 15, 1958 by Minister Ervin Nightengale, and remained faithful tothese vows until the end.During the national draft, dad was called to serve, but as a conscientious objector, he spent 2years in 1-W service in the Oklahoma City unit.He was married to our mom, Florence Schmidt on September 24, 1972 at DeRidder, La.sharing life’s joys and sorrows for almost 45 years. To this union was born 3 sons and 3daughters.Dad enjoyed a variety of occupations including dairying and farming. His lifelong dream ofworking with his boys was fulfilled by helping in their cabinet shop near his home.Dad always wanted to take his family back to Michigan to see where he grew up. Eventhough it never worked out, he often talked about his memories.Another dream he had was to build Mom a house. Thankfully with the help of family andmany friends they moved into a new home a little over a year and a half ago.Alvin lost his Dad of a massive heart attack in 1973 while his dad was in Brazil. On February25, 2007 our sister, Cynthia, and her husband Tim Koehn were tragically taken in a car accident.Through these tragedies, Dad’s faith in God never wavered. He never questioned God”s timing.He told one of the family “It wont be long until we go to be with them.”Dad had quite a few health challenges over the last 25 years. In 1995 his colon was takenout after he was diagnosed with colitis. Later, after becoming almost immobilized he underwentback surgery, after which he was able to enjoy a fairly normal life until the last 4 months whenhe started suffering from the effects of his cancer. He seldom complained even though manytimes he was in severe pain.He loved to have his children and grandchildren come over. He would watch the road andoften be out the front door before they turned in the drive.He loved the outdoors and nature. Birds, and especially bluebirds, were his favorite. Heloved working in his garden and also enjoyed watching his trees grow.One thing that stands out above everything else, to all that knew him, was his unwaveringfaith and trust in God.Those left to hold fond memories are his wife, Florence, Deridder, Louisiana; Daughters:Shelah and husband Cameron Boeckner, Atmore Alabama, Debbie and husband Jerry Jantz,Montezuma, Kansas; sons: Sheldon and wife Nita, Waylan and wife Tanya both of DeridderLouisiana, Quinn and wife Rosalyn, Atmore, Alabama. After Tim & Cynthia’s death, Randy andLarrissa Koehn adopted their children, and became part of our family. Special extended family;Bryan and Cheryl Ashworth, DeRidder Louisiana; Kendall and Jalene Miller, Dumas, Arkansas;and twenty-one grandchildren.Six sisters: Betty and Ron Classen, Moundridge Kansas, Ruth and Clinton Holdeman, ElmaIA, Mary and Dewayne Unruh, Deridder Louisiana, Esther and Dave Ensz, Detroit Texas,Marilyn and Stan Ensz, Osceola South Dakota, Carolyn and Kevin Classen, MontezumaKansas. Two brothers: Wayne and Marge Litwiller, Deridder Louisiana, John and Misty Litwiller,Huron, South Dakota.Those welcoming him home are: One Daughter and son in law, his parents, one brother, and
one sister.
What’s your fondest memory of Alvin?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alvin?
Share a story where Alvin's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alvin you’ll never forget.
How did Alvin make you smile?