Alva C Tyler

Alva Clarence Tyler, 95, was born on November 20, 1915, to William and Ocle Fern (Spicer) Prater in Rulo, Nebraska. He left this life on June 20, 2011.

On June 19, 1925 Alva and his brother came to Jewell Co., Kansas to the home of Robert and Elnora Tyler and were later adopted by them. Alva attended Rubens and Highland schools in northern Jewell County through the 8th grade. He spent the rest of his childhood years working on the farm.

In September of 1942 Alva volunteered for service in the U.S. Army. During his time in the Army he served with the 957th Field Artillery Battalion participating in several battles and campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged in November of 1945 as a Staff Sergeant.

On September 1, 1946 he was united in marriage to Beth Ferguson in Mankato. To this union 5 children were born. The couple resided in Richland township for the next 48 years until moving into Mankato in 1994.

Alva worked full time for Ideal Cement Company in Superior, Nebraska for over 25 years while also farming.

Survivors include wife Beth of the home; sons Jim and wife Alice of Hays, William J. (Joe) and Jack both of Concordia; daughter Janet Tyler and special friend Joel Elkins of Mankato; grandchildren Trisa and husband Mike Gonzolas, Travis Tyler and wife Rachel, Kris Tyler and wife Mary, Joseph Tyler and wife Michele, Jacob and Jessa Tyler, Bobi (Moser) Cross and husband Aaron, Chanse Moser and wife Samantha, Lara Neilson and fiancé Mitch Ketterl and Kari Neilson; and step-grandchildren Trevor and wife Abby, Trenton, Taylar and husband Kyle Ord, and Tiarra Elkins. Great-grandchildren are Madeline, Tyler and Molly Gonzolas, Andrew, Shawn and Elijah Tyler, Andrew and Thoran Cross, Laney Moser, Bentley Neilson-Rugg; step-great-grandchildren Haley and Kinsey Garst, Kaden Ketterl, Paisley, Jersey and Remington Ord.

Alva was preceded in death by an infant daughter on April 15, 1949 and siblings Anthony Tyler, Billy, Belle and Sylvia.

A celebration of life service for Alva C. Tyler will be (was) held at the Harmony United Methodist Church in Mankato at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 23rd, 2011 with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. Pat Grout, organist, Pastor Gerry Sharp sang “How Great Thou Art”,and “Go Rest High on the Mountain” a quartet of Jon and Rosalie Menhusen and Allen and Elaine Smith sang “Amazing Grace” and Precious Memories". Military Honors were presented by United States Army Honor Guard, V.F.W. Post No. 7830, and the American Legion of Jewell, Burr Oak and Esbon. Internment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas.

Memorials may be made to the Midian Shriners or the Harmony United Methodist Church bell choir.