Alvina Heck was born on April 13, 1912, near Bowdle, South Dakota, to John and Lydia (Weishaar) Heck.  She moved with her family to Isabel, South Dakota, where she grew up. 

After receiving her teaching certificate from Northern Normal School in Aberdeen, South Dakota, she taught school for 27 years in various towns.  The last 12 years she taught were in Philip, South Dakota.

On January 24, 1942, she was united in marriage to Ralph C. Goodman.  While he served during World War II she lived in Midland, South Dakota, managing the telephone office and teaching school.  They lived in Midland for 15 years before moving to Philip. 

She continued her education and received her Bachelor's degree from Black Hills State College in Spearfish, South Dakota in 1971.  After retiring from teaching she gave piano and organ lessons until she was 80.

Alvina was a member of First Lutheran Church in Philip, past president of the American Legion Auxiliary in Midland, Federated Womens Club, Bad River Senior Citizens Club, Retired Teachers, Bridge Club, Bible Study Group, WELCA, and Altar Guild.  She played the church organ for many years as well.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Willard of Minneapolis, Minnesota; a daughter, Mrs. Ed (Janie) Castle of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; a sister, Mrs. Elsie Schmidt of Idaho; 5 brothers: Reinie of Fargo, North Dakota; Eddie of Firesteel, South Dakota; Irvin of Stockton, California; Robert of Morris, Illinois; Ray of Mountain Home, Idaho; and several nieces and nephews.

Alvina was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, in 1974, and a daughter, Janelle Reed.

Funeral Service
Thursday, March 7, 1996
10:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Rev. Hans Sacrison

Music
Marianne Frein - Organist
Maureen Palecek - Vocalist
"How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings"
"To God Be The Glory"
Congregational Hymn
"Blessed Assurance"

Pallbearers
Rick Palecek - Monte Palecek
Barry Knutson - Scott Knutson
Bob Thorson - Ralph Matz

Honorary Pallbearers
Tom Reed - Joe Prouty
Charlie Ekstrum - John Knutson

Interment
Black Hills National Cemetery
Sturgis, South Dakota