Gerald R. Alvin

1937 - 2025

Gerald R. Alvin
07/12/1937 - 08/22/2025
Gerald R. Alvin, 88, Midland, Texas, and Milan, Illinois, passed away Friday, August 22, 2025 at his home in Milan surrounded by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial was August 29, 2025. Gerry was born on July 12, 1937 to Cleland and Caroline Alvin in Rock Island. He was raised in Preemption and graduated from Sherrard High School. He was a talented basketball player and loved his time on the court where he made lifelong friends. After graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the reserves for 6 years.
On November 7, 1959, Gerry was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Joanne Hoffman, the couple made their home in Milan where they raised their two children. Gerry began his career with John Deere in 1955 at 17 years old and advanced quickly. He was highly respected for his knowledge of farming and traveled extensively to farm progress shows and factories around the world in his role as a factory marketing executive. Through his hard work at Deere, he was able to pursue his dream of owning farmland in Illinois and Texas. After his retirement at the age of 49, he and Joanne moved to Midland where he joined his son Curt in farming. Over the years, they raised cotton, alfalfa, wheat and cattle. In addition to his son, his grandson Kevin Alvin has been his partner at the farm during the last 15 years. Farming for Gerry was a family affair and Joanne was often found riding in the tractor by his side.
Gerry was an avid Notre Dame fan his whole life, he attended many Irish football games where he could be found "coaching" from his seat 8 rows up on the 47-yard line. He also loved following the Notre Dame girls basketball, always anxiously waiting for the team to make it to the national championships. His passion for Notre Dame inspired his granddaughter, Adelyn to attend the university. He loved going to the Indy 500 for many years along with NASCAR races around the country with family and friends. He enjoyed collecting cars and John Deere antique tractors. You could always tell when there wasn't a cloud in the sky because that is when he could be seen driving his 1957 Chevy or one of his 3 classic John Deere tractors around the neighborhood. Gerry never met a stranger and enjoyed his early morning breakfasts with Curt and friends at JumBurrito. Gerry was a family man who cherished any time spent with his kids and grandkids. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 66 years, Joanne; children Curt (Tammy) Alvin, Midland, Texas, and Kathy (Roland) Pulley, Milan Ill.; grandchildren Kevin Alvin, Midland, Texas, and Adelyn Pulley, Boulder, Colo.; step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; sister Mary Carol (John) Williams; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Jim Alvin. To leave condolences for the family, visit www.wheelanpressly.com.