Alvin Schiffer

Alvin Joseph Schiffer, age 94, of Forsyth passed away on August 19, 2011.

Alvin was born on October 30, 1916 in Havalock, ND, the son of Peter and Louisa Schiffer. He attended schools in Cartersville and Rosebud, completing through to his freshman year.

He was united in Marriage to Clara A. Mathern on November 22, 1938 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Forsyth MT. Alvin worked on the Collins Ranch for the first few months of their marriage. In the spring of 1939, they moved to the Mathern farm, where he worked poising the grasshoppers. Later in 1939, they leased the Polzine place.

Alvin was a resourceful, dedicated, and hard working person. He was a man with many talents, but none as great as his mechanical abilities. Everyone knew that if no-one else could fix it Alvin could. And if they hadn't made it yet, he could find a way to create it out of nothing and make it work. He spent his life as a successful wheat farmer, welder, mechanic and also raised cattle, chickens and pigs.

During the war in 1943, he worked in Vancouver WA, welding on the ships. In 1947, he worked as a mechanic for Louie Trove, and later for the Wallen Merchantile.

In 1952, Alvin and Clara purchased the Mathern farm and settled into a life of their own. Raising their family on a place they could now call home. The doors at A Lazy S Ranch were always open. The cards, and coffee and music were always flowing. Alvin was a member of the Forsyth Knights of Columbus Council in the 1950's. He enjoyed many things in life, such as shooting a game of pool, thro wing horseshoes, and boxing, but nothing more than his family and ranching.

Alvin was preceded in death by Clara, his wife of 71 years, son James, his parents Peter and Louisa, his brothers Art, Peter, Paul, sisters Alice Kuntz and Mary Kuntz.

He is survived by sons: John of Tempe AZ, Jerry and his wife Pam of Billings, and daughter Joetta Burkey and husband Dave of Denver CO, 11 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Viewing will be Monday August 22, 2011 10-6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons´ Funeral Home of Forsyth, Mt. Vigil service will be Monday 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons´ Funeral Home of Forsyth, Mt. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday August 23, 2011 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Forsyth, Mt. Burial will follow in the family lot of the Forsyth Cemetery.