Alvena D Reiser

Alvena D. Reiser, 98, of Springfield died Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Menard Convalescent Center in Petersburg. Alvena was born November 11, 1909, in Philadelphia, IL the daughter of John and Mary Finn Devlin. She married Leo Reiser on June 14, 1938 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ashland, IL. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1995. Mrs. Reiser is survived by one daughter, Rosemary (Michael) Stepner of San Diego, CA; three sons, Tom (Ginny) Reiser of Petersburg, Bob (Martha) Reiser of Petersburg, and Bill (Mary) Reiser of Concord, CA; sixteen grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by two very special cousins, Mary Margaret Devlin of Ashland and Sister Jonette Devlin, O.S.F. of Greenbay, WI. She was raised in St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ashland, Il., was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Havana, St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield, and St. Peter Catholic Church in Petersburg. After her mother’s death in 1917 Alvena was enrolled at Sacred Heart Academy as a fourth grader. She boarded there during the week and returned home for the weekends. She graduated from SHA in 1927. In the fall of 1928 she began her studies at Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb. She graduated in June of 1931 with an associate degree in Education. In 2001 Alvena was inducted into the SHG Hall of Fame and was acknowledged as the oldest living Sacred Heart boarder. During the presentation she was described as a “woman of great faith” who had helped many others by sharing her ”wisdom, love and monetary assistance” Alvena taught for four years at Fairview Country School in Sangamon County. She then taught at Gurney school in Cass County for five years. She and Leo were co-owners of Reiser Grain Co. in Greenview from 1962 through 1990. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday July 15, 2008 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Ashland, Father Bob Jallas will be officiating. Visitation will be held Monday July 14, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and also from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. Burial will be in St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery in Ashland. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Augustine Catholic Church. St. Peter Catholic Church, or to the organization of the donor’s choice. Online memorials may be made at www.hurleyfh.com.

Alvena D Reiser

November 11, 1909 - July 10, 2008

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