Alvina J. Letendre, 98

Published 10:42 pm Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Alvina J. Letendre, 98

Alvina Johanna Letendre, age 98, of Austin, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025 at Sacred Heart Care Center with her family by her side.

Alvina was born on August 20, 1926 in Milbank, South Dakota to George and Katherine “Cornelia” (DeLeest) Derks.  Her family moved to St. Paul, MN where she graduated from Monroe High School in 1944.

On July 6, 1946, Alvina married the love of her life, Vernon Letendre at St. Therese Church, Fort Snelling.  Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments.

Alvina was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.  She and Vern raised five sons:  Vern Jr., Ronald, Gary, Greg, and Tom.  Growing up, they spent many Sunday afternoons at Prior Lake, swimming.  The family enjoyed camping with their travel trailer.  The memories were many.

Alvina worked at Lull Engineering in Eagan, in the 60’s.  In 1969, Vern started his own business “Midwest Diesel” in Austin.  Alvina handled the office.  They worked side by side.

Vern and Alvina finally graduated to a fifth wheel trailer and traveled the United States.  They enjoyed dancing at the Terp, bowling, cruises, going to Mexico, and casinos.

Vern passed away in 1998.  They shared 52 wonderful years of marriage.  Midwest Diesel is what kept Alvina going.  She and their son, Gary became partners.  She always considered herself the boss, but did let Gary handle the business.  She also had her granddaughter, Amy, as well as her daughter-in-law, Debbie at her side in the office.

After some time, Alvina shared her home with her son, Tom.  Her travels did not stop.  She traveled to Italy with church friends, took many casino trips with friends, and did some cruising with Tom, including the Panama Canal.  She never tired of the casino visits.  As years went by, she and Tom would go to mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church, then after mass would take a trip south-to Diamond Jo’s.

This lady enjoyed life, loved her family, and was dedicated to her business.  She was known for her positive attitude and the smile on her face, which will never be forgotten.

Survivors include her five sons, Vernon (Carol), Inver Grove Heights, MN, Ronald, Burnsville, MN, Gary (Debbie), Austin, MN, Gregory (Debbie), Cottage Grove, MN, Thomas (Lisa Robson), Austin, MN; eleven grandchildren, Lance, St. Paul, MN, Shawn (Crystal), Inver Grove Heights, MN, Dana Hanson (Andy), Inver Grove Heights, MN, Shelley Thompson, Austin, MN, Amy Janssen (Scot), Austin, MN, Carrie El-Halawani (Sam), Burnsville, MN, Jeremy, Cottage Grove, MN, Nick (Jessica), Rush City, MN, Tanya (Kai), Cottage Grove, MN, Jason Kreuscher (Joanne), Pingree Grove, IL, Jennifer Messina, Florida; 26 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Marlene Gangl, Minneapolis, MN.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon; siblings, Herman, Elmer, Clarence, Lambert, Margaret Turner, Geraldine Gunovich, Dorothy Bruce.

The family would like to thank Sacred Heart Care Center for the special attention and care given to Alvina for the last years of her life.  Mayo Hospice gave the extra attention and care that we will be forever grateful for.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am on Friday, April 25, 2025 at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Thien Nguyen officiating.  There will be a 9:45 am Rosary followed by visitation from 10-11 am at the church.  Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Augustine Catholic Church.

Arrangements by Clasen-Jordan Mortuary.