Alvin R. Tester, Jr., 59, Staples

January 16, 1956 - May 13, 2015

Alvin Richard Tester, Jr., age 59, Staples, MN, passed away Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at his home.

Visitation will be held at Church of Christ in Staples, MN Monday, May 18, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at 11:00 AM at Church of Christ, Staples, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, MN. Funeral arrangements were made by Benson Funeral Home, St. Cloud, MN.

Alvin was born January 16, 1956 in Brainerd, MN to Alvin R. and Audrey G. (Hughes) Tester, Sr.

Family was very important to Alvin, he loved spending time with his grandchildren. He liked hunting, fishing and getting out his canoe any chance he could get. He was the type of person that put others needs before himself, he would give you the shirt off his back if it was needed. Whenever you would see Alvin he would have a bomber hat on and a can of Dr. Pepper of Ice Tea in his hand. He loved to garden and when he did it with his grandchildren it made him even happier. He would like to take the scenic route any time he could, it may have made him late, but that was okay. Alvin was a member of the Church of Christ, the Lord was very important part of Alvin’s life. He had a church family that he was active in with groups and fellowship. Alvin was a member of AA, helping out where ever he could.

Survivors include sons and daughters, Billie Jo (Brian) Sundsvold of St. Cloud; Charles (Mary Ann) Tester of Staples; Jamie (Sean Elias) Cross of Upsala; Kim (Matthew) Hegge of Breckenridge; Kayllene Reger of Staples; Josh (Shelly) Dukowitz of Verndale; and Jeremy (Stacy) Dukowitz of Staples; brothers and sisters, Vickie Tester of Brainerd; Kirk Tester of Brainerd; Valerie (Larry) Specht of Fort Ripley; Pamela Tester of Brainerd; Marcia (Scott) Kerfoot of Elk River; Raymond Tester of Brainerd,; Roderick (Heather) Tester of Gulf Port, Mississippi; and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Alvin is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.