1921
Alice
2016
Alice Fankhanel
October 26, 1921 — July 11, 2016
Alice Elsa Fankhanel, age 94, of Vergas, MN, went to be with Jesus, Monday, July 11, 2016, at the Thomas House in Perham, MN.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, July 15, 2016, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vergas, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, July 14, 2016, at Furey Funeral Home in Frazee with a prayer service to take place at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be made next to her husband, Karl, at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery in Vergas.
Alice was born October 26, 1921, near Dent, MN, to George and Minnie (Mattfield) Johnson. Alice was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She grew up in rural Frazee and Perham, moving with her family, caring for several farms during those years.
Following her schooling, Alice worked as a waitress in Perham. Alice met Karl Fankhanel and the couple married at the Vergas Lutheran Church Parsonage on June 29, 1942. They made their home in Vergas, MN, where they raised a daughter, Sandi. The couple owned the Standard Station in Vergas for 38 years, and Karl took care of the store, while Alice enjoyed caring for her family and her home.
Alice was a very active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vergas and was a member of the Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School for countless years.
Alice was a member of a ladies sewing group which she enjoyed greatly. Through the years, she even made clothes for her grandchildren. Alice and Karl enjoyed fishing and hunting together and throughout the years, Alice spent countless hours cleaning fish and game. Karl also carved wood loons and Alice painted each one, which they sold in stores all over the state. Alice loved spending time with her family, and her heart overflowed with love for all 5 generations; even as her health declined.
Alice’s life was deeply saddened by the passing of her husband Karl in 1996. Following his death, Alice moved to rural Frazee to be near her daughter, Sandi and son-in-law, Chum. She then lived with Sandi, Chum and Heidi for 4 years, before making her home at the Thomas House in Perham where she remained until the time of her passing.
Alice will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Sandi (Harold “Chum”) Mickelson of Frazee; granddaughter, Heidi Summers of Phoenix, AZ; grandson, Joe (Kathy) of Menahga, MN; 9 great grandchildren: Brandon, Kandiss, Jonathon, Tarrin, Joseph, Rachel, Gavin, David and Jack; 1 great great grandson, Marcus; along with several nieces and nephews.
Preceding Alice in death were her parents, George and Minnie Johnson; husband, Karl; infant daughter, Heidi; and 8 siblings.
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