Alvin Gerald Sunderman was born south of Pender on April 1, 1919. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church west of Pender. He resided on a farm northwest of Pender with his parents and three siblings.

Alvin entered the Army in September 1942. He served in the United States for one year before going overseas. He was a member of an ordnance ammunition company and was stationed in England. Alvin was known to his army buddies as “Sunny.” After serving his country, Alvin planned to return home to farm with his dad and brothers.

On April 1, 1944, Alvin was killed in a jeep accident in England. It was his 25th birthday.

Alvin was buried with full military honors on April 6, 1944, at Brookwood Cemetery in Brookwood Surrey, England. Newspaper articles at the time of his death stated that Alvin was known for his quiet, likable attitude and his love for his work. He was well respected and loved in his Army company.

On July 21, 1948, Alvin was laid to rest at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church cemetery near Pender, NE. His nephew, Larry, remembers when a train carried Alvin to his final resting place.

He was survived by his parents, John and Bertha; brother, Werner, and his wife, Elsie; brother, Johnnie; sister, Delores; grandmother, Mrs. Johanna Ahlers; a nephew and a niece.