Alice Turnbladh, 96

Alice Bernice Turnbladh, 96, died Friday, June 15, 2012 at Bethany Home in Alexandria.

Alice was born June 29, 1915 in Otter Tail County 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 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, Missouri. 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 were her faith and family and she was always ready to help anyone.

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 was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Hannah; brother, Wilfred; and sister, Myrtle Turnbladh.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 19 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Alexandria with the Rev. 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 at 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; www.andersonfuneral.net.

A00009B2012JN27

Tags: obituaries

Sign the guestbook (1 comment)

Comments posted on this page do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications Company. Forum Communications Company does not endorse and is not responsible for any statement, opinion, advice given or made. All replies are subject to approval and must follow Forum Communications Company guidelines concerning statements of libel, personal attacks or defamation of character. Replies in the "Talk About It" section that criticize a person by name may not be posted, unless that person is openly involved in a public issue. Comments written in all capital letters or bold print will not be considered for inclusion in the forum.

Terms & Conditions