A memorial service for Daniel Alons was held Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at the Cornerstone United Reformed Church in Sanborn. Rev. Dan Donovan officiated. Pallbearers were Adam Van Duyn, Nathan Van Duyn, Brad Alons, Owen Postma, Kelly Roder, Matt Roder and Brent Geels. Interment was in Roseland Cemetery at Sanborn. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Daniel “Dan” Alons, son of Ben and Maggie (Holtrop) Alons, was born on Feb. 24, 1924, near Hospers. He spent his youth in rural Sheldon where he attended the local country school, graduating from the Sheldon Christian School.

Dan was united in marriage to Matilda Donkersloot on Thursday, June 20, 1946, at the Christian Reformed Church in Sanborn. The new couple farmed together near Sanborn for nine years and then purchased a farm in Osceola County in 1955 and called it “home” until retiring to the town of Sanborn in 1989.

Dan had been a member and officer of the Osceola Farm Bureau for 12 years. He had served as an elder while a member of the Christian Reformed Church and was a charter member of the Cornerstone United Reformed Church, both in Sanborn. He had also generously volunteered many hours at Hope Haven Wheelchair Ministries in Sanborn, enjoying the company of the other workers as well as the satisfaction of helping out in this small way. Leisure time included bowling league and shooting pool with the guys on Saturday afternoons.

Dan’s family was his pride and joy. He and Matilda attended many of their grandchildren’s school activities. They both enjoyed traveling and meeting new people; with Dan’s open and friendly personality, you wouldn’t be a stranger for long.

In March of 2016, Dan and Matilda moved from their home to Prairie View Manor. After Matilda passed away in April, 2019, Dan decided to become a resident of Prairie View Nursing Home. Even through the entire Covid lockdown at Prairie View’s Campus, Dan never complained or lost his positive attitude. In spite of all the restrictions, he was always glad when his family and friends would stop by. He was a good example for everyone.

Dan passed from this life on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at the age of 98 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his five children: Judi (Loren) Van Duyn, of Liberty, Mo.; Ken (Brenda) Alons, of Valley Springs, S.D.; Lois (Larry) Postma, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Myrna (Jerry) Breuker, of Arnolds Park; and Norma (Randy) Geels, of Sioux Center; 17 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Marie Vander Griend; two brothers: Merle (Rosa) Alons and Roger Alons; Matilda’s family members: Marie Donkersloot and Marv (Luann) Donkersloot; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death are his wife of 72 years, Matilda; his parents, Ben and Maggie Alons; grandson, Calvin Geels; son-in-law, Allen Roder; his sister, Gert (Maynard) Hofman; his brothers: John (Marlene) Alons and Lee (Donna) Alons; sister-in-law, Jan Alons; brother-in-law, Sid Vander Griend; Matilda’s family members: Ray (Alyda) Donkersloot, Gertrude Donkersloot, Hank (Bernice) Donkersloot, Gladys (Earl) Elgersma and Albert Donkersloot.