Alvin Carl Brasel of Sebeka, MN, was born to John and Emma (Fresonke) on October 15, 1923 in Corliss Township, near New York Mills, MN.

Alvin was baptized, confirmed and a proud member of the St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena.

Alvin served in the United States Army from February 26, 1945, until his honorable discharge April 21, 1947. Upon his return, he was united in marriage with Maxine Crabb on August 6, 1947. Alvin lived his entire life in the Sebeka area where he found employment as a mail carrier, cook, guard at the Air Base, and a foreman at Homecrest Industries in Wadena. He found time for his hobbies and interests of gardening, dancing, spearing suckers, deer hunting, bowling, and cooking, along with being an avid Twins baseball and Vikings football fan. Sebeka area residents may remember his days as a custodian at the Sebeka Public School and at the Wayside Diner for 11 years. He belonged to the Postal Union and the Sebeka Legion, where he enjoyed serving as the Legion Commander. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

Alvin passed away on June 6, 2011, at the age of 87, at Tri-County Hospital in Wadena. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Emma; brothers Louis, Martin, and John Brasel; sisters Dora, Hilda, Elsie, Helen, and Marie; and sons-in-law Leslie Erickson and Albert Tappe.

He is survived by his wife Maxine of Sebeka; sons Wayne (Jan) of Ottertail, Ronnie (Ranae) of West Fargo, ND, and Joe (RaNae) of Sebeka; daughters Sherry Erickson and Mike of Moorhead, Alice (Joel) Rising, Shirley (Jim) Huntington and Joyce Tappe all of Sebeka; 20 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, & four great-great-grandchildren; sister Laura Waln of Wadena; and many foster children & grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 13, 2011, at St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena, with Pastor Stephen Meltzer officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Berg-Nylund Post 456, American Legion, Sebeka, MN. Honorary pallbearers will be all of Alvin's grandchildren, great-grandchildren, & great-great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Kevin Erickson, Greg Erickson, Donald Lillquist, Harold Lillquist, John Poland, Jr., and Wayne Carpenter. Burial will be in Wadena Cemetery.