Alice Turnbladh

Alice Bernice Turnbladh was born on June 29, 1915 in Ottertail County, Minnesota to Victor and Hannah (Carlson) Turnbladh. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sebeka. Alice graduated from Sebeka High School in 1932. She worked in Big Falls, MN as a housemaid to earn financing to further her education and graduated in 1939 from Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis. In 1942, Alice enrolled at the Swedish Hospital School of Nursing and upon graduation joined the Army Nurse Corps, serving at O'Reilly Hospital, in Springfield MO. In 1949, Alice started her work as a missionary nurse in Tanganyika, Africa where she spent 26 years. Alice moved to Alexandria where she worked as a nurse at Bethany Home, and later as a volunteer, which she did for 11 years. She was also active in her church with the circle, quilting, started the prayer chain and was the chair, Golden Glowers, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Mission Committee, Friendly Visitors, Bible Study, Mission Speaker, Prayer Group, helped with lefse for lutefisk supper, was involved with smorgasbord, and intercessor for Mt. Carmel. Alice was also famous for her rice pudding, gravy and Swedish meatballs. She loved to listen to the Twins, Vikings and the local Cardinal sporting events on the radio. Most important to Alice was her faith, family and was always ready to help anyone. Alice died on Friday, June 15, 2012 at Bethany Home in Alexandria at the age of 96. She is survived by two nieces; Audrey Turnbladh Dressel and husband, Joseph Dressel of Excelsior and Marlys Turnbladh Schoon and husband, Kenneth Schoon of Park Rapids; and great nieces and nephews. Alice is preceded in death by her parents Victor and Hannah; and brother, Wilfred; and sister, Myrtle Turnbladh. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Hans Dahl officiating. Music was provided by organist, Becky Worley and soloist, Nancy Burns. Military Honors were provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936 and the Minnesota National Honor Guard. Interment was in Hay Creek Cemetery in rural Sebeka. Casket Bearers were Charles Jacobson, Bill Buckner, Chris Worley, Arlan Johnson, Kirk Landman, and Paul Ahlquist. Honorary casket bearers were all of Alice's lifelong friends and relatives. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.