Lydia M. Van Alsburg

Lydia M. Van Alsburg, 83, of Moline, passed away, July 8, 2025, at UnityPoint Health Trinity Rock Island.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Private inurnment will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Q.C. Paws.

Lydia was born on April 15, 1942, in Nadvirna, Ukraine. She married Tyrone D. Van Alsburg on January 20, 1962, in Rock Island, IL. She worked as an office clerk at the Milan Post Office for 22 years. Lydia was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Some of her hobbies included making quilts, porcelain dolls, and ceramics. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and antiquing. Lydia loved being a grandma and great-grandma.

Survivors include her husband, Tyrone; children, Tyrone Van Alsburg Jr of Colona, IL, Teresa (James) Cosselman of Princeton, IA, Shawn (Shawnae) Van Alsburg of Milan, IL, and Timothy Van Alsburg of Silvis, IL; grandchildren, Tyler Van Alsburg of Davenport, IA, Kyle (Ali) Sutliff of Davenport, IA, and T.J. Van Alsburg of Silvis, IL; great-granddaughter, Ezra Sutliff of Davenport, IA; siblings, John (Cindy) Jaster of Davenport, IA, and Becky (Joachim) Tospann of Germany.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Donald Morylak.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.

Lydia’s Extraordinary Early Years

A Life of Strength, Sacrifice, and Love

Lydia’s life began in 1942 in Ukraine as her native country was being ravaged by the atrocities of WWII.

Her parents, Alexander and Emilie Morylak, began their escape journey, first to refugee camps in Germany, then Austria, and back to Germany.

At age 6, Lydia’s mother died. Two years later, her father passed.

Now orphaned, in 1951 Lydia (10) and her brother Donald (12) courageously journeyed to America under the care of the Catholic Charities organization. They arrived in New Jersey, a world away from their familiar, and so often, confusing lives.

The siblings next stop was Davenport, Iowa, where they were sponsored by the Catholic Diocese of Davenport. As a young immigrant there, Lydia passed through many orphanages, each one shaping her resilience and determination.

Lydia was then welcomed into the loving family of Evert and Mary Jaster, and their children, John and Becky. She found much comfort in her new, real home.

Lydia enthusiastically mastered English and adapted to her new culture. Her perseverance carried her through to graduation from Alleman High School in Rock Island. It marked an important victory in her life.

On January 20, 1962, young Lydia married the love of her life, Tyrone Van Allsburg. Together, they built a life centered on what Lydia had always dreamed about: love, family and faith. Shortly after, her beloved children arrived; Tyrone, Teresa, Shawn and Timothy.

Lydia worked 22 years for the U.S. Postal Service in Moline. After retirement she faced another great challenge, kidney failure. She endured dialysis for eight years, and her courage never wavered.

Throughout her life with Ty, Lydia never asked for much. Her joy came from the simplest things: Sunday cookouts, family birthday parties, Thanksgivings filled with laughter, Christmases wrapped in warmth, and anniversary celebrations that honored love and togetherness. Lydia was the foundation of her family.