Alvin Talken

Alvin Talken, 93, of Taos, passed away Thursday, January 12, 2012, at Westphalia Hills in Westphalia, Missouri, surrounded by his family. He was born November 16, 1918, in Taos, a son of the late Frank and Minnie (Heislen) Talken. On June 6, 1942, Alvin was united in marriage in Taos, to Esther Prenger, who preceded him in death on June 4, 1999. Alvin was a lifetime farmer. Throughout the years, he also worked for Nick Rackers Heating and Cooling, Rackers & Baclesse Lumber Yard, Midwest Block & Brick, along with other various jobs to support his family. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in Japan during World War II, from January 23, 1945, to October 26, 1946. Alvin was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus #6430, both in Taos, and the American Legion Post 5 in Jefferson City. Alvin's first love was farming, he also enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking pies from scratch, and spending time with his family and friends. Alvin is survived by seven children: Rosalie (Nick) Rackers; Marvin Talken; Sharon (John) Rackers; Donald (Cheryl) Talken; Ronald (Peggy) Talken, and Gary (Kelly) Talken, all of Taos; and Mary Jo (Jim) Broderick of St. Louis; 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by two brothers: Clarence and Wilfred Talken; one sister: Alma Borgmeyer; and a daughter-in-law: Emily Talken. Friends will be received from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Taos, where a prayer service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2012, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with Fr. Wayne M. Boyer and Fr. Ignazio C. Medina officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or St. Francis Xavier School. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com