Marvel I. Van Alstine

Marvel I. Van Alstine, 91, of Des Moines, formerly of Plover, died January 19, 2012 at Ramsey Village in Des Moines.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday in the chapel of the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt.  Visitation is from 1-2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  Interment is in Powhatan Cemetery, Plover

Mrs. Van Alstine is survived by her son, Roger (Virginia) Van Alstine of Piedmont, SD; daughter, Darlene (Mark) Pullen of Des Moines; 4 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her husband, David; parents; grandson, Ronald Van Alstine; sister, Leona Wilson; and brothers, Emil, Maynard, and Lawrence Firkins.

Marvel Isabel Firkins, the daughter of Art and Anna (Thompson) Firkins, was born January 6, 1921 at Rodman, Iowa.  In 1928, the family moved to the Plover area where she received her education and graduated from Plover High School.  She was united in marriage to David Van Alstine on December 22, 1940.  The coupled farmed together in the Plover area for over 50 years.  Following  their retirement, the couple made their home at Prairie Creek in West Bend.  Mr. Van Alstine passed away on November 27, 2003 and three years ago, Marvel moved to Des Moines to be close to her daughter.

Marvel was an active member of the Plover Presbyterian Church and Eastern Star.  She enjoyed singing, sewing, gardening, and cooking.  She took great pride in caring for her home and her family and will always be remembered as a wonderful mother.