Alice Mae Undem, 93, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at The Legacy Place, Valley City, ND. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, soon-to-be great-great grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed by many.
Alice was born at home in Harvey, ND on December 25, 1927 to Leo and Ida Roller, the oldest of four siblings. She attended school and graduated from Harvey High School in 1945 and then went on to nursing school at Mercy Hospital in Valley City where she earned her RN degree.
While in nursing school, Alice met the love of her life, Earl Undem. They married on October 9, 1949 and made their home in Rogers, ND where they farmed and raised their seven children. When her youngest son entered high school, Alice enrolled in a refresher course for nurses and went back to work in the OB department at Mercy Hospital in Valley City for another 10 years, where she helped deliver and care for hundreds of babies, along with their mothers.
There was just something special about Alice. She loved people, all people and you just knew that she loved you whether from a helping hand, words for affirmation, or her favorite ‘Jesus loves you’ comment. Alice reflected Jesus’ light and love in everything she did, from parenting to volunteering her time. She was always present and committed to every activity she helped with. Her volunteer and service-to-others activities are too numerous to list. She was always helping (and feeding) someone in need. She was famous for her homemade chicken noodle soup and mashed potato donuts. She made them for anyone, anywhere, who was sick or had a need. At the farm, her cookie jar was always full and ice cream was always in the freezer for anyone who came to visit. Coffee was always on!
Alice most especially loved all of her grandchildren. She would drop everything to spend time with them when they came to visit. Reading to them, playing, baking, making donuts or lefse and even racing them around the yard in her younger days! She was truly one of a kind and if you got to spend time with her, you were lucky and sure to laugh (and eat!) a lot! Taco Night with Scotcheroos at the farm are legendary and would bring everyone together that could make it.
Simply put, Alice reflected Jesus Christ every minute of every day. She brought light, love, and hugs with her wherever she went. There are no words to adequately describe this lovely lady who loved so much, cared so much and served so much. Well done good and faithful servant.
Alice is survived by her children, Keith (Rollis) of Apple Valley, MN, Barb (Ken) Schmitz of Valley City, Becky (Rick) Holmberg of Fargo, Nancy (Kerry) Larson of Plover, WI, Mark (Kim) Undem of Valley City, Tom Undem of Rogers, ND, Jeff (Teri) Undem of Valley City, 24 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great, great, grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her younger sister Idelle (Don) Weninger, of Harvey, ND and numerous nieces and nephews.
Alice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of more than 68 years, Earl Undem, parents Leo and Ida Roller, and 2 younger brothers, Arlie Roller and Leo Roller Jr.
Visitation will be Friday, July 16 from 5:00-7:00 pm with a prayer service to follow at Oliver Nathan Funeral Chapel, 251 Central Ave South, Valley City.
A Celebration of Life in memory of this dear lady will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 17 at Connect Church, 320 Central Ave South, Valley City.
Memorials can be sent to Project Ignite Light or The Dazey Assembly of God in Dazey, ND.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City. An online guestbook is available at olivernathanchapel.com