In Memoriam: Alvera Nafziger

Alvera Nafziger
March 30, 1924 – December 19, 2020

Alvera Nafziger

Alvera Beatty Nafziger passed away peacefully at age 96 on Dec. 19, 2020 in St Louis, Missouri with family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Margaret Beatty, her husband of 56 years, Bertram (Bert) Nafziger, sisters Mildred (Ben) Larson, Loraine (Chris) Schuessler, Gladys (Lee) Bauer, brother Glen (Alice) Beatty, relatives and friends.

She is survived by her children, Craig (Sandi) Nafziger of St Louis, MO, Jill (Frank) Mastro of Plymouth, MN, Dana (Brenda) Nafziger of Shell Beach, CA, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Alvera was born in Campus, Illinois. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Buckingham High School. She completed her baccalaureate degree at Illinois State University, where she met Bert Nafziger. They married in 1946 and had 3 children.

Alvera was an elementary school teacher for 33 years in Illinois and California. It was a perfect profession for her as she loved teaching the children. She completed her Master’s degree at Pepperdine University.

After retiring, she enjoyed living on the golf course in Canyon Lake and sharing life with family and friends. She and Bert enjoyed traveling extensively to Europe, England and the Far East. Al and Bert were members of the Canyon Lake Community Church.

Alvera always had a kind, gentle, loving, positive attitude, with a bright smile. Her presence always left everyone in better spirits. Her strong faith in God sustained her in daily life and was apparent in her interaction with others.

Some of her former students remarked that she was an inspiration and “the best teacher they had ever had.” Her children were often told that “she was the nicest person I have ever met.” Although she will be missed, her impact on those she met will always be a legacy to her memory.

A memorial service will be held at Lupton Chapel in St Louis at a later date. Private interment will be at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, California, where she will be at rest with her husband. In lieu of flowers, gifts to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, in Alvera’s name, would be appreciated.