November 18, 2014

Alice Simonson


Funeral services for Alice Simonson, 87, of Watford City, N.D. are 1:00 P.M., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at First Lutheran Church in Watford City, N.D., with Pastor Rob Favorite officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Friday, Nov. 21, 2014, at Fulkerson Memorial Chapel in Watford City, N.D. Interment will be in Garden Valley Cemetery, rural Watford City, N.D.
Alice Barbara was born on July 26, 1927, the daughter of Olve and Mabel (Jacobson) Tollefson in Banks, N.D.  She was the second of four siblings, with two sisters and a younger brother. Her love of learning began in a rural one room school house in Banks and continued when she boarded in Watford City for high school. Alice was united in marriage to Jerome “Jerry” Simonson on Nov. 23, 1946. Their first son, Mikal, was born in Portland, Ore., where they lived after Jerry was discharged from the United States Navy. After they moved back to Watford City, they lived on a farm which became home for their next son, Kenneth, and two daughters, Karen and Margaret. While her husband worked as a diesel mechanic and farmed, Alice was a homemaker and volunteer.
Alice was a member of First Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school, served as a trustee and an ALCW board member. She was a member of the Good Shepherd Home auxiliary and her interest in local and North Dakota history made her an active member of the Heritage Park Board.
Alice was an avid photographer who made photo albums for all of her grandchildren. She proudly attended school concerts, sporting events and enthusiastically brought her camera along. Alice was the family historian who collected pictures and stories. To celebrate her Norwegian heritage Alice created lovely works of Hardanger embroidery, including numerous altar cloths for the church. She enjoyed Sons of Norway events.  She was an artistic seamstress who created wedding dresses, baptismal gowns, and clothes for her children.  Alice’s grandchildren have cherished the quilts that she lovingly made for each of them.
Alice surrounded her home with color from the flowers she started each spring from seed. The oil paintings that she created hang in her children’s homes. The vegetables her garden produced, her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls were the highlight of the many family gatherings Alice graciously hosted. She enjoyed birthday gatherings with her classmates and equally enjoyed elaborate tea parties. Alice kept binoculars ready to identify birds, counted the birds she attracted with feeders outside her picture window, and fixed the birds for supper that the hunters brought home.  Alice’s love of words was evident in the daily journals she kept, the monthly cards she sent to her grandchildren in college, and the correspondence she shared with friends and family.
Alice died on Saturday, Nov.15, 2014, at the Good Shepherd Home surrounded by her family and friends.
Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons.com
 

WATFORD CITY WEATHER