A memorial service/celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 14, 2021, at First Presbyterian Church, 101 E. 20th St., Scottsbluff with Pastor Jeff Fiet officiating. The service will be livestreamed at www.scottsbluffpres.org and First Presbyterian Church’s Facebook page. Online condolences may be left by visiting Al’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Legacy of the Plains Museum or Scotts Bluff County Volunteer Center.
Alvin was born on July 29, 1936, in Gordon, NE to Lowell and Frances (Cerny) VanBriggle. He grew up in Gordon, on his parent’s farm, with his two brothers and three sisters. He graduated from Gordon High School in 1953 and he was active in FFA and loved modifying and racing his cars. Alvin married DeLena in 1954. They were married for 67 years. With the birth of their three children, family came first for them. There are many memories of camping trips, boating adventures, and family vacations. Beer pancakes on camping trips were always a family favorite.
Alvin worked for KN Energy (aka) Kansas Nebraska Natural Gas) for 35 years. He began his career with KN as a repair technician and through his hard work and training, retired at a managerial level position. Alvin was always active and supportive of the communities in which they lived. He was active in Jaycees, Mariners, and Lions Club, a volunteer in the Gordon, Minatare, and Bayard fire departments. He loved cooking breakfast for practice sessions for fire tournaments. And who can forget Alvin’s many breakfast concoctions during those practices. Alvin also served in the Gordon, Minatare, Bayard, and Bridgeport Presbyterian churches.
After retirement, Alvin began his hobby of buying and restoring antique tractors which lead to his passion for tractor pulling. Alvin and DeLena enjoyed becoming involved in the tractor pulling community and Alvin was one of the originating members of the Platte Valley Tractor Pullers. He loved nothing better than winning his division on his Farmall 450, “Big Red”. Other favorites included his Oliver and John Deere tractors. He was proud to earn Puller of the Year in 2003 and 2007 and All Points Champion honors in multiple years and divisions. He also played a little golf and spent time fishing. Alvin and DeLena were active volunteers at the Legacy of the Plains Museum in Gering, NE. As family was always their focus, they spent time traveling to visit with their children and grandchildren.
Alvin is survived by his wife, DeLena; his children, Mike (Deb) VanBriggle of Acworth, GA; Jeannette (Mike) McGowan of Cheyenne, WY; and Judy (Greg) Wooden of Cheyenne, WY; his grandchildren: Michelle (David) Allen of Douglasville, GA; Ryan (Sara) Conklin of Commerce City, CO; Kristen (Bryan) Weeks of Littleton, CO; Amanda (Tim) Orewiler of Rockmart, GA; Sherry Conklin of Marathon, FL; Melissa McLarty of Greeley, CO; Lea (Rob) Smithson of Monroe, GA and his great-grandchildren: Michael Allen, Mason and Jacob Conklin, Weston, Ethan, and Cooper Weeks; Katherine, Kimber, and Cody Orewiler; Isabel Beck; Madi, Maddox, and Macy McLarty; Ryan and Evan Smithson; his brothers, Marvin (Marilyn) VanBriggle and Orlan (Colleen) VanBriggle; his sister, Annette (Dennis) Lyon; brother-in-law, Jim Parette, sister-in-law, Emae (Art) Wherry; sister-in-law, Pam (Bill) Steimle and many nieces and nephews.
Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Frances VanBriggle; In-laws, Charles and Ruth Spanner; sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Gordon Greenamyre; sister, Carol Parette; infant brother, Harlan VanBriggle; granddaughter, Terri Conklin; nephews, Bryon Greenamyre and Howard Greenamyre; niece, Stacy Olson.
Alvin’s family would like to thank all the wonderful and loving staff at Lifecare Center in Cheyenne for the kindness, care, and support provided to our family during his illness.
