Alvin Leo Reiland, 81, of Spring Valley, MN, passed away September 20, 2018, at Cottagewood Senior Communities in Rochester where he had resided since May. Al was born January 22, 1937, in rural Grand Meadow, MN, to Max and Ethel (Johnston) Reiland. He was a 1956 graduate of Spring Valley High School where he participated in wrestling, football and track.
After graduation, Al hauled canned milk and then joined the 49ers Union and was quickly employed to work on the I-35 highway project. In 1959, he enlisted in the US Army and served until 1961. He was stationed in Germany.
Following his military service, he returned to rural Spring Valley where he would farm for the next 50-plus years. On June 30, 1963, Al was united in marriage to Karilyn Jean Pauling at First English Lutheran Church, Spring Valley. They were blessed with a son and a daughter.
Karilyn, a registered nurse, worked at the Spring Valley Memorial Hospital until it closed. In the late 1990’s, both of their children returned to the dairy and crop farm and the family partnership, Reiland Farms, LLP, was formed. Al and Karilyn were very proud to be farming with their children and, in recent years, their grandchildren.
Al and Karilyn enjoyed snowmobiling in their younger years, and skiing and traveling to destinations with “better snow” for both. In mid-life, Al picked up running and he and his daughter ran in some local races including the Milk Run at the Minnesota State Fair. Al and Karilyn also enjoyed meeting and traveling with other dairy farmers and touring dairy farms.
A highlight was the trip with other Minnesota dairy farmers to Australia and New Zealand. Al also enjoyed fishing in Ely, MN, and traveling to warm places with extended family. Al is survived by his wife of 55 years, Karilyn; daughter, Christine (Troy) Sukalski and their three children – Stephanie, Joseph, and Kenric – of LeRoy, MN, and son, Scott (Kelly) Reiland and their two children – Carter and Madison – of Spring Valley; siblings, Evelyn Hintz of Stewartville, MN; Norbert (Marlys) Reiland and Gene (Gayle) Reiland, all of Spring Valley and Robert (Lorraine) Reiland of Eyota, MN; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Al’s constant companion, his beloved dog Copper, also survives. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Donald & sister-in-law Carolyn Reiland; and brother-in-law Ivan Hintz. Funeral services for Alvin Reiland will be held Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at 11:00 AM, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, with Pastor Mark Van House officiating.
Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Preston, MN Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 25, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Spring Valley, and one hour prior to the service at the church.
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