Mae Alness

Mae Christine Alness was born on April 12, 1929 in Granite Falls, Minnesota. She was the daughter of John and Genevieve Reese. On Sunday morning, April 28, 2013, at age 84 years, Mae passed away, her children at her side during her final days. During her growing up years, she lived in Minneapolis, Granite Falls, and Clarkfield on her family farm with her two sisters. Mae was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and a member of the Granite Falls Lutheran Church. Mae advanced her education post high school achieving a diploma in nursing from Abbott Northwestern. She actively practiced for more than forty-two years. Places of employment included Clarkfield and Granite Falls Hospitals and later, at Olivia Hospital. On December 29, 1951 Mae C. Reese and Ing M. Alness were united in marriage at Swede Home Church. They lived in Clarkfield until 1963 when they moved into their home in Granite Falls, Minnesota. Mae was a talented woman in so many ways achieving numerous professional accolades over her long career. She was a superb cook and baker delighting family and friends with festive goodies and house-filled parties. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always quick with an update and a story about their growing families and accomplishments. She was active in the Woman's Club and community always with a welcoming open door. Mae is survived by her children, Cindy (Robert) Boily of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Mark (Julia) Alness of Duvall, Washington; Mary (Mike) Jauss of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Carol (Bruce) Soine of Maynard, Minnesota; Jon (Linda) Alness of Elgin, Minnesota; and John O'Connor (Pat) of Fort Worth, Texas; 16 grandchildren and their spouses and 2 great-grandchildren; sisters: Berdella Brolin of Bloomington, Minnesota and Norma Lindquist of Granite Falls, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews and extended family. Preceding her in death was her husband, Ing Alness, her parents, and infant brother and sister.