Services Saturday for Alice Walker

Alice Miranda Walker, 101, of Bemidji, MN died Saturday, August 1, 2015 at the Gold Pine Home in Bemidji.

Memorial services will be at 11:30 am, Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the Tenstrike Community Church in Tenstrike, Minnesota.  Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm, Friday, August 7, 2015, at the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji, and one hour before the service at the Church.  Interment will be at the Oak Park Cemetery in Clearbrook, MN, under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji.

Alice was born February 14, 1914 in Gully, MN, the daughter of Idius and Hilda (Olson) Christianson. She was raised in Gully graduating from Gully High School in 1933.  

She married Stanley Walker in 1939 in Gully, MN.  They farmed near Weme, MN, and in 1946 gave birth to their beloved daughter, Shirlee. In 1957 the family moved to Mt. Iron, MN. 

Alice was a fantastic cook and an even more incredible people person. Cooking and being of service to people became her chosen career and she enjoyed sharing her passions. For 16 years she cared for and cooked for the Johnsons, who became so near-and-dear, they are like extended family.  In the summers she worked as a cook at Camp Warren in Eveleth, MN. In 1976 they moved to Bemidji to help care for her mother. Then at 70 years old she went back to the Bemidji Area Vocational Technical Institute to obtain the necessary certification to fulfill her goals of managing the kitchen at that school. During the summer she shared her skill, knowledge, and experience from Camp Warren by cooking at Camp Thunderbird. Later she worked in the deli at Lueken’s Village Store and with her excellent people skills, demonstrated food in the store. 

Alice was fun-loving. She had a spark, and a sassy zest for life that endeared her to people of all ages. She loved and was loved, befriended and was a friend, and inspired and was inspired by many young people.  This is evident by the numerous people who call her Grandma, Special “Bonus” mother; and Special Friend. When asked what the secret to her long life was, she would always say, “Working hard and helping people.”

The family wishes to express sincere and deep gratitude and appreciation to the staff of Gold Pine Home, and Dr. Will and staff at Sanford Clinic for her care.  

She is survived by her daughter Shirlee Walker of Bemidji, Granddaughters, Cassandra (Greg Joelson) of Phoenix, AZ, Vanessa (Birch Criswell) of Twin Falls, Idaho, Great-Granddaughter,  Teagan Joelson of Phoenix, AZ, many nieces, nephews, and a cousin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, 3 sisters, and 3 brothers.

Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.