Alvin Plagmann, age 92, of Alexandria, SD passed away Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, SD.

Alvin Gustav Henry Plagmann was born to Gustav Henry and Barbara (Bunger) Plagmann on December 30, 1926.  He grew up and lived on the family farmstead southeast of Alexandria for nearly 93 years.

In 1929, at age three, Alvin with his parents and two of his sisters started a year-long journey through western United States, Canada and Mexico.  They slept in a tent and Alvin had his tricycle onboard to ride on each stop along the way.

Alvin served in the United States Marine Corps; entering in September 1945 and was honorably discharged in October 1946.  He served aboard the USS Topeka in Asiatic-Pacific areas.

On March 20, 1949 Alvin married Delores Heiman in Emery.  They worked together on the farm until Delores's passing in 1998.  They celebrated 49 years of marriage.

After Alvin retired from farming he stayed active mowing, planting trees, cutting down trees and most recently started painting the farm buildings.  In 2017 he was awarded the "Hanson County Conservation Award" for hand-planting around 5000 trees since 2009.

Alvin loved people and never knew a stranger.  He was known for his hugs and Werther's candy.

Alvin is survived by his children: Craig (Peggy) Plagmann of Alexandria; Cheryl (Scott) Boeke of Scioto Mills, IL; Carol Golder-Weber of Shawnee, KS; grandchildren: Nikole (Steve) Arend of Emery; Matt (Nikki) Plagmann of Alexandria; Jodi (Cory) Dye of Emery; Josh Plagmann of Alexandria; Brandi Scheider of Freeport, IL; Kerri (Jamie) Wittkop of Olathe, KS; Derek (Amber) Golder of Basehor, KS; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 great- great-grandchildren; niece: Janice (Jack) Mendel of Waterloo, IA; nephew; Rodney (Sandy) Gust of Clovis, CA; and several great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores and his parents; three sisters and brother-in-laws: Viola (Hank) Gust; Eldora (Herman) Gust; Velma (Andrew) Osterloo; son-in-law, Ivan "Butch" Golder; grandson: Ryan Golder; niece, Myra Gates; nephew, Larry Gust.

The family is planning a "Celebration of Alvin's Life" on Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 2 – 5PM at the Moose Lodge in Mitchell, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to one of the following; Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, VFW – Local Mitchell Post 2750, charity of your choice.