Alvin Charles Soukup, Sr., 66 of Dorrance, Kansas died Tuesday, August 9, 2011.

Alvin was born April 12, 1945 in Larned, Kansas, the son of Louis and Blanche (Malir) Soukup.  He grew up in Dorrance and graduated from Dorrance High School.

Alvin served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  He was a company clerk.  After the war he returned to Dorrance.

Alvin was united in marriage to Anita Haselhorst on August 27, 1966 in Hays, Kansas.  This union was blessed with five children; Alvin Jr., Andy, April, Aaron and Austin.  They made their home in Dorrance.

Alvin was a farmer and rancher his whole life.  He also worked over 20 years with Essex in Hoisington, Kansas in the shipping department.  When he was younger he worked for King Of The Road.

He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Dorrance.  He also was a lifemember of the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240.  He loved playing Texas Holdem and attending auctions.

Surviving family include his wife of 44 years, Anita of the home; three sons, Andy Soukup of Dorrance, Kansas, Aaron Soukup and wife Katie of Paragould, Arkansas and Austin Soukup and fiancé Lisa of Wilson, Kansas; daughters, April Briney of Ness City, Kansas and Tammy Wolf and husband Monte of Linsborg, Kansas; sister, Vera Ehrlich of Wilson, Kansas and nine grandchildren, Gavin, Ally, Aislyn, Justyce, Jagyrd, Japheth, Gabriel, Amily and Jade.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Alvin Soukup, Jr., brother Roy Soukup and grandson Dylan Soukup.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Wilson, Kansas.  Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Dorrance, Kansas.  Military Rites will be conducted by the Russell V.F.W. Post 6240 Honor Guard.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 5 PM Friday at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7 PM Friday evening at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church.  A memorial has been established as the Alvin Soukup Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.