Alan William Vest, a long time resident of Sac City, IA, died July 6, 2007, at the Green Hills Health Care Center in Ames, IA.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 9th, at 10:00 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Sac City with Pastor Vicki Fisher officiating. Burial is at Oakland Cemetery with presentation of the flag by the V.F.W. Post No. 590 and American Legion Cantigny Post No. 195 of Sac City. The Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City is in charge of arrangements. Those who wish to send condolences online may do so using the Farber & Otteman web site: www.farberotteman.com

Visitation is from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Sunday, July 8th at the funeral home in Sac City.

Alan was born February 25, 1911 in Chicago, IL, to Martha Davis Vest and Peter Vest. The family moved to Sioux Falls, SD, when Alan was in third grade. Alan graduated from Sioux Falls High School, Augustana College, and the University of South Dakota Law School.

Alan began practicing law in 1934 in Geddes, SD. It was there he met Pearl Mogck, an attractive third grade teacher. Alan and Pearl were married June 22, 1939, and settled in Sac City, IA.

Alan launched an active law practice in Sac City and served three terms as Sac County Attorney. A World War II veteran, Alan served in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946 as chief prosecutor of the military government court in Bremen, Germany, and was involved in the de-Nazification effort, removing people from positions of influence so the Nazi philosophy wouldn’t rise again. The experience deepened his commitment to democracy, individual freedom and free enterprise. Back in Iowa he became more active in politics. Alan served two terms as State Senator for Carroll, Greene and Sac Counties. In 1955 he received the Des Moines Press and Radio Award for the outstanding member of the Iowa Senate from newsmen covering the legislative session. In 1957 he was elected president pro tem by members of the Senate.

During his 67 years in Sac City, Alan was a lay leader of the Methodist Church and active in the Kiwanis Club, American Legion, Masonic Lodge, Iowa State Bar Association, and Republican Party. He helped establish Loring Hospital and various recreational facilities in Sac County. He was a long time member of the Board of Trustees of Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. As president of Noble Popcorn Company he traveled extensively promoting Sac County as the “Popcorn Capitol of the World.” Alan was a lifelong learner and an “early adopter.” He was fascinated by technology and other changes over his 96-year lifetime, and optimistic about the future.

Alan practiced law 62 years and had series of outstanding partners: John Wilson, Charles Mather, Jim Graven, Kirby Vest, Bruce Becker, and Kevin Murray. He developed close ties with clients and found satisfaction in serving families over several generations. He retired in 1996 at the age of 85.

Alan’s daily life reflected his faith and values of justice, individual freedom and personal responsibility. He lived a life of service and shared pearls of wisdom in his talks, writings, and poems.

“Anything worthwhile requires time and concentration and the ability to lose oneself in the goals to be accomplished.”

“The way to happiness is to immerse yourself in doing something useful to others.”

Alan was a family man who was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren. Alan and Pearl treasured their 68 years of marriage. Grandchildren lovingly remember him for always being game for a swim, a Scrabble match, reading books, and, best of all, his bedtime routine of a backrub and made-up stories. In addition to family and friends, he especially enjoyed music, piano playing, poetry, sports, good meals, napping, and dogs.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife Pearl Vest; daughter Carolyn (Chuck) Jons of Ames; five grandchildren, Steve (Karilyn) Jons of Eden Prairie, MN, Susan (Richard) Owen of Hillsborough, CA, Sarah (Jim) Lodge of Olathe, KS, Kelly (Travis) Burton of Los Vegas, NV, and Kari (John) Besancon of Los Vegas, NV; nine great-grandchildren, William and Carolyn Jons of Eden Prairie, MN, Alex Owen of Hillsborough, CA, Maddie and Ben Lodge of Olathe, KS, Taylor and Tabitha Burton and Owen and Megan Besancon of Los Vegas, NV. Alan was preceded in death by son Kirby Vest, his parents and his brother Eugene Vest.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Loring Hospital in Sac City or a charity of your choice.