Alvin J. Semin

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Alvin J. Semin

March 28, 1942 - July 18, 2019

Alvin James Semin was born March 28, 1942, in David City to Edmond and Lydia (Sloup) Semin and passed away July 18, 2019, at the age of 77 years, 3 months and 20 days. Al grew up in the Ulysses area on the family farm and attended Ulysses High School where he graduated with the class of 1959. Al enlisted into the U.S. Navy on Jan. 5, 1960, and graduated with the highest grade in his construction electrician class. He served in the USN Mobile Construction Battalion Eight (“Seabees”). Al was deployed to Guantanamo Bay during the Cuban missile crisis and spent six months at the South Pole Station in Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze. He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Antarctic Service Medal and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. Al was honorably discharged on March 27, 1963.

On Sept. 11, 1965, Al married Jeanette (Jan) Marie Tesina, and to this union five children were born. He lived his entire life on the same farm. Al was a dedicated farmer and also worked at Goodyear for 14 years. He left Goodyear to farm full time with his dad, later passing the farm to his two sons. Al also spent much of his time serving the community, including the Ulysses Volunteer Fire Department, the Ulysses Co-op Board and coaching the Ulysses baseball team. In later years, he was active in the Dwight Legion Post 110, where he served as the vice commander for 15 years, then commander for 15 years until his passing. Al was a member of 40 & 8 and the DAV in Lincoln and a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. 

Al was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed attending sporting, school and special events of his children and grandchildren. He also followed Husker athletics, liked a good polka and just visiting with family and friends.

Al was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jan (2010); sister, Mary Ann Fiala; parents-in-law, Emil Sr. and Rose Tesina; and brothers- and sisters-in-law, Emil Jr. and Polly Tesina and Jim and JoAnn Tesina.

Survivors include his children, Randy Semin and special friend Jolene Vavra of Dwight, Tim Semin and wife Beth of Dwight, DeAnn White and husband Kirt of Lincoln, Kay Kudlacek and husband Cory of David City and Audra Hoffschneider and husband Paul of Lincoln; grandchildren, Sarah and Jarod White, Ava and Ryan Hoffschneider, Daniel and Micah Semin and a granddaughter soon-to-be-born, Lydia Rose; brother-in-law, LeRoy Fiala; sister-in-law, Rosmarie Tesina and Denny Mehrhoff; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

A rosary service was held July 21, 2019, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on July 22, both at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ulysses, with the Rev. Michael Stec as celebrant. A graveside service and interment were in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ulysses, with military honors conducted by the Dwight American Legion Post 110 and the United States Navy. Memorial contributions may be made to the Semin family for future designation. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.zabkafuneralhome.com.