Alvin Kercher

Alvin Kercher, 93, Jamestown, ND, died Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown.

Mr. Kercher was born on November 13, 1918 in Streeter, ND, the eldest child of Jacob ""Jack"" and Anna Maria ""Mary"" (Rott) Kercher. He began working for the Northern Pacific Railroad on August 29, 1941 as a fireman on steam engines. He was promoted to engineer in August 1946 and continued his railroad career as a locomotive engineer until he retired on December 1, 1978. On February 20, 1943 Alvin married Helen Christine Schelle of Glen Ullin, ND. Helen passed away on March 14, 1994.

Alvin enjoyed coin collecting, gardening and wood-working. He was a life-long member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Jamestown. He lived his Christian faith through love, patience, and forgiveness. Alvin was kind, generous, respectful and helpful to all.

Alvin is survived by three children, Robert (Eleanor) Kercher, Great Falls, MT, Dennis (Debbie) Kercher, Jamestown and Judith Kercher Adams, Tulsa, OK; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Raymond Kercher, Carmichel, CA and Larry (Elaine) Kercher, Anaheim, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one sister, Elsie; and four brothers, Walter, Theodore, Paul and Donald.