Alvin Ed Skow

Alvin Ed Skow, 96, of Jefferson, formerly of Humboldt, passed away September 27, 2012 at the Gardens Assisted Living Center in Jefferson, Iowa.  Funeral services will be Friday October 5, at 2:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Rutland.  Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until the time of the service.  The Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Alvin Edward Skow (Ed), the son of Anton and Emma (Jensen) Skow was born November 19, 1915, on his parent’s farm in Rutland, Iowa.  Ed attended North Maple Grove School and graduated valedictorian from Bode High School in 1933.  After working as a farm hand for several years, he enlisted in the navy during World War II.  Ed was trained as a meteorologist and served most of his 3-1/2 years in the Galapagos Islands and Panama.

On April 20, 1944, Ed married Vera Vesterby.  To this union, twins were born:  Eldon Kent and Eloise Ann.  After Ed’s discharge from the service, they moved to the family farm where they began their married life.  He later purchased the farm and continued his crop and dairy operation.

Ed was an active member of Faith United Methodist Church in Rutland since 1935; Ed enjoyed directing the church choir and congregational singing for many years.  During this time he was a faithful member, rarely missing a Sunday and serving on many committees.

Ed was an avid gardener and loved working in his flower gardens.  He shared many of his hybrid roses, irises and gladiolas with his friends and often brought his arrangements to church on Sundays.  During the winter months, he enjoyed planning family vacations and scrapbooking.

Ed is survived by his son Eldon Skow of Jefferson, IA; daughter Eloise (Dr. Ken) Friday of Jefferson, IA; two grandchildren: Joel (Heather) Friday of Kansas City, MO, and Ashley Friday of Jefferson, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, one brother, his wife Vera, and his grandson, Justin Friday.