Alvina Johnke

Alvina Mary (Schramm) Johnke was born on June 30, 1914 in Leaf Valley Township, Douglas County, Minnesota to William and Ottilie (Brueske) Schramm. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Alvina attended county school at District 11 in rural Parkers Prairie through the eighth grade. After her schooling she helped the farming neighbors with housework. Alvina was united in marriage to Louis Johnke on June 27, 1935 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. The couple was blessed with one daughter, Sharon, and farmed near Urbank until 1948. The family moved to Parkers Prairie where Alvina was a housewife until Louis died in 1958. Alvina then went to work as a cook for Hook Anderson?s Caf� and later worked as a cook at the hospital in Parkers Prairie. In 1967, Alvina moved to Alexandria and worked at Bethany Home as a nurse?s aid and retired at the age of 72. Alvina was still living at the Woodhill Apartments where she moved in 1985. Alvina enjoyed being with people, visiting with friends and relatives, and going out for lunch after church, dancing to polka or waltz?s. Alvina also enjoyed clothes shopping, especially at Herberger?s. Alvina died on Friday, November 21, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital at the age of 94. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Larry) Simonson of Pueblo West, CO; grandson, Jason Simonson of Davie, FL; great-grandson, Peter Simonson of Davie, FL; brothers, Bill Schram of Miltona, MN, Hugo Schram of Havre, MT, and Harlan (Elaine) Schram of Conrad, MT; sisters, Irene Brunson of Parkers Prairie, Adeline Quitmeyer of Parkers Prairie, and Verla Bowman of Forbes, MN; and many nieces and nephews. Alvina was preceded in death by her parents, William and Ottilie; husband, Louis; brothers, Alfred, Eugene, and Edwin; and sisters, Esther and Florence. A funeral service was held on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at Zion Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend David Hinz officiating. Music was provided by organist, Irma Brockberg. Interment was held in the Parkers Prairie Cemetery in Parkers Prairie. Casket bearers were Bill Brunson, Jason Simonson, Bob Brunson, Darold Schramm, John Moeller, and Ray Caauwe. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.