Alvina Freada Smeins ²

Alvina Freada Hitch, 87, Luverne, died Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne. A memorial service was Friday, Nov. 9, at Dingmann Funeral Home, Luverne, following a private burial at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. Alvina Smeins was born Nov. 3, 1925, to Fred and Freada (Westerbuer) Smeins in Luverne. She attended school in Luverne. On Nov. 12, 1943, Alvina married Harvey M. Hitch in Luverne. While Harvey served his country during World War II, Alvina lived in Louisiana. After Harvey's discharge, the couple lived in Luverne. She worked for Vern and Ardeth Kraesch. She also worked at the Cozy Rest Motel, Luverne, for more than 24 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Luverne and the Luverne American Legion Auxiliary. She volunteered at the Mary Jane Brown Home, the Minnesota Veterans Home and the Crisis Center. Alvina enjoyed crocheting, sewing and crafts. She especially took pride in making bears for RSVP to give to schoolchildren. Alvina is survived by her daughter, Kathy Schadwinkel, Luverne; three grandchildren, Todd Schadwinkel, Cheryl Hitch and Harvey Leon Hitch; many great-grandchildren; a sister, Audrey Poppen, Chandler, Ariz.; a brother, Fred (Judy) Smeins, College Station, Texas; a sister-in-law, Marie Smeins, Luverne; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Hitch in 2007; a son, Harvey Hitch, in 2010; a brother, Myron Smeins; and a sister, Donna Faye Smeins. Arrangements were by Dingmann Funeral Home of Luverne.

Alvina married Harvey Minton Hitch, son of Harley Minton Hitch and Katherine Margaret Wiggers, on 12 Nov 1943.¹ (Harvey Minton Hitch was born on 16 Feb 1921 in Doniphan, Hall Co., NE,¹ died on 01 Mar 2007 in Luverne, Rock Co., MN ³ and was buried about 04 Mar 2007 in Maplewood Cemetery, Luverne, Rock Co., MN.)