Alvin Vande Griend

Alvin James Vande Griend, 86, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 30, 2025 in Visalia, California. He is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Bernice Vande Griend, and one brother, Kenneth Vande Griend. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Marcia (nee Klynsma) Vande Griend; brothers Roger Vande Griend, Holland, MI, Lyle and Lois Vande Griend, Orange City, IA, sister Irma and Bernard Fedders, Orange City, IA, and sister-in-law Wanda Vande Griend, Byron Center, MI; sons Scott and Christine Vande Griend, Springfield, MO, Tim Vande Griend of Montana, and Randy Vande Griend, Visalia; daughters Penelope and Grady Morris, Visalia and Holly Yavanian, Winchester; granddaughters Victoria and Trevor Hassebroek, Lee’s Summit, MO, Katherine Vande Griend, Kansas City, MO, Annaka and Branden White, Wichita, KS, and Katelyn Yavanian, Winchester; grandsons Micah Vande Griend, Belton, MO, Ross and Marissa Van Kekerix, Rock Valley, IA, Tyler and Bri Aberson, Lakeland, FL, Alexander and Kristen Aberson, Exeter, and Brady Yavanian, Winchester; six great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Alvin was born September 4, 1939 to Andrew and Bernice Vande Griend on their family farm in Hull, Iowa. Following graduation from Western Christian High School in Hull, Alvin pursued his lifelong dream to become a teacher. After two years at Dordt College, he finished his bachelor’s degree and received his teaching certification from Westmar College, ultimately earning a masters degree in education from the University of Iowa. His teaching career began at Worthington Christian School in Worthington, MN where he served both as principal and taught all middle school subjects for eight years. Alvin then became principal at Rock Valley Christian School where he also taught Bible classes, literature, and English for 14 years. From there, Alvin taught for seven years at Manhattan Christian High School in Manhattan, MT where he taught Bible classes, literature, and English. He served as choir and band director, and also directed school plays. Alvin spent the final 15 years of his time in education at Central Valley Christian School in Visalia teaching Bible classes, literature, and English. He also served as the football game announcer, drama teacher, and director. By the time Alvin retired from teaching in 2004, he

had given 45 years to the vocation to which he had devoted most of his working life. Alvin truly loved each and every soul of those he taught, and Alvin and Marcia were frequently approached by former students who shared what they gained from his enthusiasm for learning and personal care for them. Alvin served as Head Custodian at First Christian Reformed Church of Visalia, a job he held alongside Marcia and Randy, for 18 years before retiring in 2022. His service to the church also included over a decade of directing the church choir. Alvin had several great passions in life, the most well-known to all who knew him was his love of fishing. The Vande Griend family fishing trips to Canada and Minnesota were the highlight of his year, from the early 1960s until his final trip in 2024. Alvin also took great pride in his family. Most of all he took pride in his Christian faith, which he let shine forth through his example of serving God’s Kingdom through the gift of his teaching and service. Alvin’s legacy is his family, Christian faith, and service to the Christian community as a teacher, all central to his life and mission. He will be greatly missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him.