Alvin Elmer Scott

Alvin Elmer “Scotty” Scott, 101, of Strawberry Point, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 5, 2023.  Alvin was born in a farmhouse seven miles northeast of Strawberry Point, Iowa, the son of Elmer and Clara (Fridley) Scott.  Alvin attended Lodomillo Country School through the completion of the seventh grade.  He never graduated as he was needed to help with the family farm.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Alvin joined the military September 26, 1942.  Like his father who was a WWI veteran, Alvin served his country during WWII.  Alvin was in the United States Army Air Force.  He was stationed in England on an air field where he worked as a mechanic attached to the 844th Air Engineer Squadron.  He then became a driver for commanding officers.  Alvin wore a good conduct medal and a group citation ribbon presented for the bombing of Frankfurt, Germany.  He also had an ETO Theatre of War ribbon.  After WWII ended, Alvin came home to marry Esther Luella Kramer on September 4, 1945, at the Methodist Church in Strawberry Point.  Alvin finished his military service for three more months in Florida.  He was discharged in 1945 after serving three years, two months, and one day in the United States Army Air Force.  He waited in line to have his discharge papers signed, but they closed the windows, which led to his extra day of service.  Alvin had many stories of his travels in service from California to New Jersey, prior to ending up in England.  In fact, he was Post Master for seven months in Utah.  Alvin was always proud that he served under General Eisenhower.

 Upon arriving home to Iowa, Esther and Alvin were both employed and lived in Manchester for six and a half years.  They moved to Strawberry Point in April and on May 1, 1952, their daughter Linda Lou was born.  Besides being a mechanic in Manchester and Strawberry Point areas, Alvin worked in outside sales for NAPA Standard Auto Parts for over 32 years.  He traveled around Northeast Iowa to all the small gas stations which used to be full-service stations.  Alvin enjoyed working in the apple orchard behind his home on East Mission Street in Strawberry Point.  He worked at Roberson Funeral Home in Strawberry Point until it closed.  Alvin joined Strawberry Homes Inc., on June 1, 2000.  He also worked for another site, Strawberry Leisure Homes.  At age 95, Alvin was honored as the statewide 2016 Site Manager of the Year for the USDA Rural Development program. “We are proud to recognize Alvin Scott’s outstanding dedication to serving others at such an extraordinary age, “said Bill Menner, Iowa’s State Director for USDA Rural Development.  “At an age when most people would need assistance, Alvin, to the contrary, provides it.  Whatever the weather, whatever the time of day, he is on call and ready to serve.  I am constantly amazed at Alvin’s dedication.”

 Alvin always was very involved in the community.  He was loyal and dedicated and went out of his way to help others.  Getting their mail, getting groceries for them, taking them to doctor’s appointments, etc.  He was involved in many organizations.  Alvin was a long-time member of the Strawberry Point American Legion Post #218, Past President of Strawberry Point Lions Club, Past President of Lodomillo Country Cemetery located in Clayton County (turning over the final books in 2022.)  Alvin was not only a member of the United Methodist Church in Strawberry Point, but also served on its Board.  He was a board member of many organizations throughout his long life not only in Strawberry Point but also in Clayton County.  Alvin volunteered during Strawberry Days, and his brother, Frederick Scott, and he were Grand Marshalls in the Strawberry Days parade.  Alvin volunteered throughout the community when needed.  He received many local, state, and national certificates and awards.

 Alvin and Esther celebrated their seventy years together on September 4, 2015.  They took pleasure in going to Lawrence Welk’s Big Band dances, playing cards or games, serving together in their many organizations having a blast with so many couples they had long lasting friendships with.  Traveling to see their daughter in Wyoming and Georgia.  The Lord and Savior was their bond throughout their life.  Always worshipping and serving together in the United Methodist Church where they were even custodians for several years.  Alvin said the prayers at the table up until his last few days.

Alvin enjoyed gardening up until his late 90’s.  He planted his own garden and shared the harvest with others.  Taking ice cream buckets of potatoes and vegetables around to friends.  He froze corn and canned tomatoes even at age 100 for his daughter and grandchildren.  He loved to cook, drive around town, go uptown for one meal a day until December of 2021, (on a legal driver’s license.)  Alvin took care of his wife and mother in their late years of life so they would not have to go into a nursing home.  So, in turn, Alvin’s daughter and son-in-law, took care of him his last year of life.  Alvin always told his daughter not to be sad or cry when he died, for dying is part of living.  Which Linda would say, “you have to die to live.”  In fact, Alvin died peacefully in his sleep at his Strawberry Homes apartment with no pain and no medications. Praise be to God.

 Left to cherish Alvin’s memory are his daughter, Linda (Lonny) Dykema of Snellville, Georgia; two grandchildren, Leah (Joshua) Little of Lilburn, Georgia, and Dr. Matthew (Kashe) Dykema of Hilo, Hawaii; two great-grandchildren, Isaiah Dykema age 6 and Uilani Dykema age 2, both of Hilo, Hawaii; one brother, Frederick Scott of Strawberry Point; one brother-in-law, Russell Kramer of Davenport; his grand-dog, Chloe, who was always at his side; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and wonderful friends.

 Alvin was preceded in death by his wife Esther, his parents; an infant sister; two sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law, many aunts and uncles; many cousins; and many dear friends.

At 101, almost 102, “Scotty” out lived most of his relatives and friends.  A cross in his pocket, band aid in his wallet, dress shirt and dress pants, head of black hair, and his kind greeting will be missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alvin Elmer Scott, please visit our floral store.