ALICE MARIE THERESA LINDBERG ZEH

Alice Marie Theresa Lindberg Zeh, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and Auntie Alice, departed this Earth, surrounded by the people she loved most and those who truly loved her. She battled with strength, dignity and humor to live life to the fullest. Never, ever complaining, she didn't lose the battle to the hand she was dealt, she simply opted for a change of venue where, from above, her spirit, the example she set by the way she lived, her courage, her love of life and music, her love of family, her love of God and the lessons she taught us will forever be our guide. She never gave up the will to live and was aware of her surroundings and those around her, until the very end.

She was also always there to nurture, always there to provide support, never, however, in the forefront, and never there to take credit. She stood like a Rock, while always gentle beyond belief. She never raised her voice in anger, not once in all these years, but she was always heard whenever she spoke. She was a combination of remarkable strength, gentleness, beauty, intelligence and courage.

When she departed, she had her loving "Donald's" hand in hers. He was at her side, where he has been for 72 years of marriage, but most especially, where he remained these past few years in constant vigil, giving his life to her as she remained steadfast with her indomitable will to live. For Mom and Dad, family was always foremost, forever sacrificing for the rest without ever giving it a second thought. Together, they, inspire and are inspirational.

Alice was born on May 23, 1918, at home in Duluth to Mildred and Jonas Gustav Lindberg. Her parents migrated to the United States from the Sundsval area of Sweden.

She was a life-long member of the Elim Lutheran Church, having been baptized there, confirmed and as indicated, married there. She loved her Church and enjoyed participating with her Circle, Altar Guide, and she especially enjoyed helping in the Church kitchen, preparing special dinners such as Elim's famous Lutefisk supper.

She was a proud and active member of the Denfeld High School Class of 1936, where she was known as the Jean Harlow of her day. Some of her class mates still meet regularly. Donald participates with the group as did Alice until just a few years ago. Alice was also the President of the Merritt PTA, sang in the Merritt mother's choir, loved to play golf, and for years played in the Women's League at the Duluth Auto Club Course on Pike Lake where she even made a hole in one during one of the Auto Club's golf events. She loved to play the piano, playing duets with Daughter Diane, and she painted figurines, taking after her father, Gust, who was an accomplished artist as is her beloved brother Robert. She also was a wonderful cook, like her mother, Mildred, made the greatest chocolate chip cookies, as her Son will attest, and baked banana nut bread that everyone who tasted it, readily asked for another serving.

She loved sports and was a fixture at UMD hockey games. She spent many a cold evening in places like the old Duluth Curling Club or Fryberger Arena where she watched youth hockey games played by family members. She also loved to travel and combined both sports and travel when she and Donald attended the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, where she saw Sweden win the Gold Medal in Ice Hockey. The next year she and Donald made it to the World Ice Hockey Championship at the Globen in Stockholm where those pesky Finns beat Sweden on Sweden's home ice.

Mother is survived by Donald, her beloved husband. They were married in the old Elim Lutheran Church on April 19, 1940. They have been together constantly ever since. Mother is also survived by son, Charles, Joan Kruse; daughter, Diane Johnson (David); grandchildren Jennifer Martinelli (Joseph) and Charles Johnson (Beth); great grandchildren Reid Johnson, Jordan, Jessica and Jonas Martinelli; brother, Robert Lindberg (Kay) of San Jose, Calif.; and five nieces and nephews as well as numerous grand nieces and grand nephews.

The family wishes to thank Mother's care givers, our new, extended family, Beth Kraml and Wendy Replogle. We also want to thank Cathy Bianchet and the staff from St. Luke's home care, for their dedication, love and care provided our Mother. A special thanks also to Marilyn Haaker, from Elim, who administered to our mother with communion and prayers. Thanks also to Pastor James Hagen for his spiritual guidance. Wendy and Beth deserve special commendation for all the old re-runs of the Lawrence Welk show they had to watch with Mother and Dad, as the Welk show was filled with music and, therefore, given our Mother's love of music, was one of her favorite shows they played for her to sing along with Lawrence. The old "one and a two and" was almost heard nightly.

All who knew Alice were touched by her gracious and gentle presence.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 11 a.m. Friday, July 27, 2012 in Elim Lutheran Church. There will be a visitation in the Church one hour prior to the funeral service. Refreshments to be served at Elim immediately following the Service. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Elim Lutheran Church or a charity of your own choosing. Arrangements by Sunrise Funeral Home.

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