Alvin "Turk" Amy

Alvin "Turk" Amy, age 94, of Watertown, SD, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown, SD. Rev. Carlene Rhody will officiate. Music will provided by Marcia Jelsma as organist.  The family is requested to meet at the church on Tuesday by 10:00 a.m. for a prayer service.  The funeral service will be live-streamed via our website. 

Visitation will be at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown on Monday from 5-7 p.m. and prior to services at the church on Tuesday.

Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Codington County Post #17 of the American Legion, Watertown, Frank H. Adams Post #750 of Veterans of Foreign Wars, Watertown, and the Military Funeral Honors Team of the SD Army National Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher Amy, James Amy, Robert Amy, Kate Fleckenstein, Christopher Amy Jr., Abigail Amy, and Allison Amy. Active pallbearers will be Tim Amy, Terry Amy, William Campbell, Rylie Fleckenstein, Cris Campbell, and Kevin Christofferson.

Turk was born on July 15, 1930, in Watertown, SD, to George and Matilda (Krause) Amy.  He attended school in Watertown and worked for Langenfeld’s Ice Cream. He then joined the US Army, eventually serving in Korea. He was injured twice during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952. Turk’s bravery was recognized with many honors and awards, including a Purple Heart with an oak leaf cluster. He was a lifetime member of the DAV, American Legion, and the VFW. Patriotism was a core part of his life. He was proud to serve his country and was honored to take part in Honor Flight in 2018 with his daughter, Deb—a journey that meant so much to both of them.

On July 27, 1958, Turk married Kay Christofferson. Turk started working at Scott’s Engineering and later went to work for Chickasha (later known as Medallion Homes) where he worked as a carpenter for 26 years before retiring. He and Kay traveled and loved gardening together, as well as spending time with family, especially their grandchildren. Turk never missed an opportunity to take part in family gatherings, whether it was a graduation, wedding, or birthday celebration. He loved taking part in family traditions during the holidays.

Turk was a man of faith. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Watertown. At the end of his life, he often talked of his relationship with Jesus. He faced the end of his life with anticipation, knowing he was going home to be with the Lord.

Turk is survived by three daughters, Debra Amy, Watertown, SD, Lisa Amy, Watertown, SD, LeAnne (Cris) Campbell, Aberdeen, SD; one son, Kelly (Lisa) Amy, Albuquerque, NM; brother-in-law, Forrest Christofferson, Brooklyn Park, MN; sister-in-law, Sandra Christofferson, Summit, SD; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Turk was preceded in death by his wife, Kay; parents, George and Matilda Amy; four brothers, Warren (Lorraine) Amy, Glen (Helen) Amy, Ace Amy, and Donnie (Connie) Amy; and one sister, Gladys Amy.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti.

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