Alvin Bartling, 92, of Burke, SD passed away on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at the Avera Gregory Hospital in Gregory, SD.  Funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 10:30AM at the Grace Lutheran Church in Burke, SD.  Burial will follow in the Graceland Cemetery.  A visitation will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at the Grace Lutheran Church from 6-7PM with a prayer service beginning at 7:00PM.

Alvin Henry Bartling was born on June 27, 1926 to Henry and Elizabeth (Klein) Bartling at home.  The youngest of ten, the family moved to a homestead south of Burke.  This is where he grew up and spent most of his life.

Alvin was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of Grace Lutheran Church.  He attended Burke High School until the age of 16.  He left school to help on the farm after his father died.

Alvin was united in marriage to Evelyn Dirks on November 5th, 1954.

Alvin was drafted into the Army in May of 1955.  He was sent to Camp Chaffey in Arkansas, then onto Ft. Sill in Oklahoma before being stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas.

Alvin was discharged in 1957 and moved back to the farm.  Here they raised four children.  There were chores and hard work, but he also made time for fun and enjoyed baseball games and coaching his boys.

Alvin and Evie later moved to town and enjoyed many a card game at the bowling alley, nutrition site, senior center or wherever they could find a game and some willing partners.

Dad enjoyed sitting on the deck watching the birds and squirrels, fire pits, picnics, fishing, almost any activity that he could share with family and friends.

He was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Green Bay Packers.  He enjoyed watching the games and stayed loyal even in the tough years.

In 2017 he moved into the Rosebud Country Care Center.  He was called to his heavenly home on December 20th, 2018.

Alvin was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn and his nine siblings and their spouses.

Alvin is survived by his four children; Catherine, Richard (Janelle), Gayle and Dale, his grandchildren; Ben, Brecken and Bryce, brother-in-law Ron Ohlendorf and many nieces and nephews.