Alvin Vust, age 94, of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, passed into the presence of his Lord on Thursday, May 26th, 2022 at the Douglas Campbell Lodge.

Alvin was born on January 17th, 1928 in Lyon County, Iowa to Henry and Grace Vust.  He grew up on the family farm and attended school through eighth grade.  After his schooling, Alvin farmed alongside his father.  In 1946, he and his older sister, Selma, traveled to Canada in search of farmland. A year later, the rest of his family joined them and settled in the Portage District. Alvin worked on the farm for a few years then started working construction.  He spent five years working on bridge construction.

In 1951, Alvin met a recent immigrant from the Netherlands, Jenny Moman.  They were married on June 12th, 1953.  Their marriage was blessed with four daughters.  Eventually Alvin started his own construction company in Portage where he continued to work until he retired. After his retirement, Alvin continued to do odd jobs for his friends and family. You could also find him at McDonalds having coffee with his friends. He was happiest when helping friends and family. 

Besides working, he loved to travel to see his children and grandchildren. He and Jenny also traveled and hosted many Dutch relatives for numerous summers.  He was also an avid curler and cribbage player. He was community minded and had a passion for the Oakland Skating Rink. He was a life-long member of Bible Baptist Church.

Alvin was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Gail; siblings Martha Hoyes, Harry, Gilbert, Selma, Joyce, and Frank Vust.

Alvin is survived by his wife of 68 years, Jenny Vust: daughters, Carol (Wayne) Skoe of Northome, Minnesota; Elaine (Ken) Douslin of Calgary, Alberta; Adele (Greg) Esala of Ottertail, Minnesota; grandchildren; Paul Skoe, Erik (Jamie) Skoe of Northome, Minnesota and Jenna (Logan) Baker of New York Mills, Minnesota, and Micah (Anna) Esala of Ames, Iowa.  Alvin is also survived by five great-grandchildren; siblings; Freda Moman, Lois McCormick, Merle Vust, Roy (Darlene) Vust, Alice Vust. He was “Opa” to many nieces and nephews and their children.

A very heartfelt thank you to all the Staff at the Douglas Campbell Lodge for the care and love they provided to Opa in the last few years. Also, a thanks to the Portage Home Care staff that provided care while still at his home.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 3rd, 2022, at Stride Place on Island Park, in the Portage Rotary Multi-Purpose Room, at 1:30 pm. A private family burial will precede the service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Portage la Prairie.

If so desired and in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Douglas Campbell Lodge, Gideons’ Society or the charity of your choosing. To leave messages of condolence for the family, please visit www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com

Ronald Moffit Memorial Services in care of arrangements.