Alvin Massman

Alvin Henry Massman Jr., 86, passed away on January 15, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born January 12, 1940, in Pierce, Nebraska, to Alvin Henry Massman Sr. and Retha Willa Oglevie. He grew up on the family farm near Battle Creek, where he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and loyalty that shaped the rest of his life. He graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1959.

Alvin enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 29, 1959. His service took him to Camp Matthews and Camp Pendleton in California, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, MCS Quantico in Virginia, and Marine Barracks Naval Station Rota in Spain. He completed active duty in 1963 and continued serving in the Marine Corps Reserves until 1965.

In 1963, Alvin met Ruth Elizabeth Grassel, and the two were married on October 29, 1966. They began their married life in Nebraska, where Alvin worked as a ranch hand for several years before moving to Ohio in 1969. They welcomed their daughter, Melody, in 1967, and their son, Mark, in 1970. Alvin was a dedicated assistant scoutmaster and a constant supporter at every sporting event, school activity, and milestone in his children’s lives.

Alvin worked as a machinist at Stock Equipment for 33 years, retiring in 2003. Retirement gave him the chance to enjoy the things he loved most: gardening, traveling, square dancing, woodworking, and spending time with his family. He later relocated with Ruth to central Ohio to be near family and their three grandchildren—Michael, Rachel, and Bruce. He cherished building Legos with them, crafting custom cabinets, working puzzles, and watching every John Wayne movie he could find.

Alvin was preceded in death by his siblings Alvina, Richard, James, and John. He is survived by his wife Ruth; his daughter Melody; his son Mark and daughter‑in‑law Danielle; his grandchildren Michael, Rachel, and Bruce; and his siblings Frank, Marvin and his wife Kat, and Janice.