- Date Of Birth: November 11, 1925
- Date Of Death: October 1, 2010
- State: Iowa
Alvin Benjamin Banwart was born to Silas and Ida (Benninger) Banwart on November 11, 1925, in West Bend, IA. He lived his entire life in the West Bend area, except for 1½ years while in the Army. He attended country school through the 8th grade and then attended one year of high school in West Bend. On February 19, 1950, he was married to Phyllis Metzger in Sabetha, KS. On September 6, 1954, Alvin and Phyllis were baptized and became members of the Apostolic Christian Church of West Bend. The couple farmed in the West Bend area and Alvin also was a Moorman’s feed man for 10 years. In 1987 they moved to West Bend and in 1992 they moved to the Apostolic Christian Retirement Village. He continued to help out on the farm until the last few months. For several years Alvin and Phyllis spent their winters in Zapata, TX and were blessed with the fellowship of many friends. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary there this past February. Alvin died Thursday, October 1, 2010 at his home. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, 6 children: Karol (James) Meyer, Sabetha, KS, Kathy (Tim) Butikofer, Elgin, IA, Kaye (Steve) Meyer, Bern, KS, Kevin (Sandy) Banwart, Algona, IA, Kent (Beth) Banwart, West Bend, IA, and Marcy (Jim) Knobloch, Elgin, IA, 16 grandchildren: Amy (Rhett) Jensen, Meg (Nick) Benson, Clint (Eva) Meyer, Kari (Mark) Hertzel, Emily, Ryan, and Maria Banwart, Kyle (Jenny), Jason (Kelsey), Darin (fiancée Amanda), Kayla and Kurt Banwart, Kami (Ben) McCready, Caleb (Maranda), Kirstin, and Kendra Knobloch, along with 7 great-grandchildren: Trevin, Avery, and Vinley Jensen, Noah and Maribelle Benson, Josie Banwart, and Lydia Knobloch. Also surviving are brothers Archie, West Bend, IA, Franklin (Darlene), Lake Mills, IA, and Leslie (Kathy), Dayton, OH, sisters Berniece Banwart and Betty Wirtz, West Bend, IA, Phyllis (Elmer) Strahm, Sabetha, KS, and Caroline Banwart, Peoria, IL, and sisters-in-law Marilyn Banwart and Becky Banwart, West Bend, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Victor and James. Alvin enjoyed farming, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.
