Alvina A. Parkinson

Alvina (Eisenbraun) Parkinson, formerly of Kadoka passed away peacefully on October 19, 2024 at the Peaceful Pines Senior Living Facility in Rapid City.

Alvina was born November 18, 1927 on a farm near Creighton (Pennington County), South Dakota to Alexander and Hattie (Kapfenstein) Eisenbraun. She was the only daughter and had six brothers.

Alvina’s father died in 1935. Her mother moved the family to Delmont, SD to be with her parents. Later they moved to Wall, SD.
Alvina attended a country school in the Creighton community, Wall grade school, and a country school near Norris. She attended an Indian School near Norris for her first year of high school. Alvina moved to Kadoka to attend Kadoka High School graduating in 1946. She worked at various jobs during those years. She worked for her room and board caring for younger children, and also worked at the Kadoka Drug Store. After graduation she moved to Sioux Falls and attended the Sioux Falls Beauty Academy, graduating in 1947.

She met Larry Parkinson in the summer of 1946 and a courtship began that led to a partnership of nearly 75 years. Larry enrolled in the South Dakota State College Printing School in the fall of 1946 as Alvina enrolled in the Sioux Falls Beauty School. A “bus” courtship began. Alvina and Larry were united in marriage on June 14, 1947 at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka. In the fall they returned to Brookings where Larry completed his course work and Alvina worked in a local beauty shop.

Upon completion of Larry’s schooling in August of 1948, the couple moved to McLaughlin, SD. Both began working at the local newspaper, the McLaughlin Messenger owned by E.Y. and Rose Berry. E.Y. was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1950.

When Congressman Berry departed for Washington in December of 1950 to begin his Congressional service, Larry and Alvina leased the Messenger. They edited and published the paper until June of 1959 when they purchased the Kadoka Press. While in McLaughlin, Larry and Alvina welcomed their two sons, Chuck and Jeff.

The Berrys became second parents to Alvina and Larry. The friendship continued for many, many years. After Congressman Berry retired from Congress, he and Rose settled in Hisega in the Black Hills. Larry and Alvina visited often.

Larry and Alvina continued to edit and publish the Press until May of 1989 when they sold the paper to Ravellette Publishing of Philip, ending 41 years for Larry and Alvina in the newspaper business.

Both in McLaughlin and Kadoka, Alvina was very active in community activities during her years of “newspapering”. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1952. She was a prolific hand crafter, creating beauty in her quilting, knitting, crocheting and needlework projects.

Alvina is survived by her son, Chuck (Suzanne Stratford) of Rapid City; son, Jeff of Rock Rapids, IA; granddaughters Jaime Parkinson Webb (Adam) of Sioux City, IA, and Alex Parkinson of Washington, DC; grandson, Sam (Tessa Dee) of Washington, DC; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband Larry, Alvina was preceded in death by her brothers Marvin, Mel, Art, Hugo, Bob and Mike Eisenbraun.

Interment at Black Hills National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Service Details

Interment at Black Hills National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

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