Alvin L. Gohlke

Alvin L. Gohlke, age 78 of Belle Plaine, MN, died on Friday, July 24, 2015 at Ridgeview Memorial Hospital in Waconia, MN. Funeral services will be on Monday, July 27, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine, MN. Visitation will be on Monday morning at the church two hours prior to the services from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Interment with Military Honors will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Belle Plaine, MN. Rev. Mark Johnson will officiate the services. Alvin was born on August 1, 1936 in Hancock Township, Carver County to Ludwig and Esther (Zellmann) Gohlke. He was Baptized on August 23, 1936 and Confirmed on April 2, 1950 at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, MN. He grew up in the Hancock Township area and began farming at a young age following the death of his father. He graduated from Central High School in Norwood, MN in 1954. He farmed for a bit before entering the United States Army in 1959 serving until 1961. He married Nadine Bullert on June 2, 1959 at St. John Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine, MN. He farmed his entire life on the same farm. He was a 32 year member of the American Legion in Belle Plaine, MN and served four years on the St. John Lutheran Church Council. His passion was his family and farming. He is survived by his wife, Nadine; Children, Natalie (Jeff) Bowman of Albert Lea, MN & Owen (Tracy) Gohlke of Lakeville, MN. He is also survived by 4 Grandchildren; Rebecca & Jacqueline Spalding and Evan & Brodie Gohlke; 2 Step-grandchildren, Jenna & Jared Bowman. Siblings; Chester Gohlke of Belle Plaine, MN and Gloria Schaefer of St. Louis Park, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Violet Vinkemeier.