Dear Friend of the FAMiLY,
Early Sunday morning, State Representative Dwayne Alons, a dear friend of The FAMiLY LEADER passed away after a brief battle with terminal cancer. We worked with Dwayne in the legislature for many years, and had become close with he and his wife, Clarice.
On Friday, Darla and I were able to make the journey to Sioux Center to visit Dwayne. I’m so thankful we had the opportunity to be blessed by him and the presence of his family before he passed.
This morning during team devotions, we were solemn as we discussed the loss of this wonderful man we were privileged to know and consider our friend. We decided the best word to describe Dwayne was “dignified.” He never faltered in his convictions, and was always respectful of everyone, including those with whom he didn’t agree. Dwayne was a “man’s man” — every man should aspire to be like him. He loved God, and loved his wife and family. Even as I visited with him on Friday, he was the same way — dignified– and with that familiar sweet demeanor.
We pondered and prayed through the words found in Isaiah 55, “God’s ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts like our thoughts.” Even now, it is with great blessing and assurance that “God’s ways are higher than our ways” and His will is accomplished through Dwayne’s life and through the timing of his passing. Although we are greatly grieved to be separated from Dwayne, we rejoice with him knowing he met his Savior face to face, and that his every tear has been wiped away. It is safe to say that the streets of gold and the sea of crystal greatly trump hospitals, IV’s and anything else this side of eternity.
It is because of Dwayne’s integrity that we decided last year to recognize him publicly for his many years of unwavering advocacy for Iowa’s families in the legislature. The FAMiLY LEADER honored him with the first annual, “Family Champion” award at this year’s “Celebrate the Family” Dinner on November 22. In preparation for this award, it was my honor to interview Dwayne and Clarice in their home in late October of this year, where they shared many reflections and insights from his life of service to his Church, to his family and to his country.
I believe you’ll enjoy and be greatly blessed by watching this video representing the lasting legacy of Representative Dwayne Alons.
The FAMiLY LEADER’s collective sympathy goes out to Dwayne’s wife, Clarice, and to his four children and fourteen grandchildren.
For the family,
Bob
P.S. As another testimony of Dwayne’s integrity with his family, we also received a beautiful tribute to Dwayne from his daughter, Kristie:
Last night, my father, Dwayne, who was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer, passed on to glory. It’s hard to believe he is gone so soon and so young. I know he had a lot more life to live, and he fought to the very end. He gave so much during his lifetime, and I’m grateful for the many wonderful years that we were allowed to enjoy his presence.
My dad is my hero. He followed his Savior faithfully his entire life. He was a devoted father and husband who taught and modeled a life of commitment to the Lord, Clarice, his wife of 47 years, his family, and his country. He diligently worked the family farm for decades. He also served in the Air Force and Air National Guard for much of his career, flying fighter jets and retiring with the rank of Brigadier General. Dwayne followed that up with nearly 2 decades of service as a representative for his district in the Iowa legislature. I love my dad and am so proud him. The impact that he had on me and the many people that he interacted with, and the legacy that he leaves for all of us, is immeasurable.
One of my dad’s favorite poems was “High Flight,” written by another aviator, and it describes his life quite well.
“Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds –
and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of –
wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there I’ve chased the shouting wind along
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
and, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God.”
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers over these last two difficult months. We are grateful that we could spend several days over Thanksgiving with my dad. In the midst of the fight for his life, he imparted a personal blessing on everyone who visited him. And we rejoice in the confidence that he is now in Jesus’ presence and dancing on streets of gold.
Sincerely,
Kyle & Kristie Alons & family
The interment will be on Wed., Dec. 3, at 10:15 at the Boyden cemetery with the Gideon circle and the military rites. The memorial service will be at 11:00 AM at the First Reformed Church in Hull. Visitation will be at the First Reformed Church from 6-8 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 2.