Alice Mellmer, 76, of New England, died Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Health Center. Alice’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m., Monday, February 15, 2010 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England with Fr. Patrick Moore, OSB as the celebrant. Inurnment will take place in the Spring at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with a rosary & vigil at 3 p.m., with Deacon Victor Dvorak presiding, visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.
Alice Flaaen was born July 10, 1933 in the New England area to Helmer and Leona (Schroder) Flaaen. She was raised and educated in the New England area, and was employed as a cook & waitress throughout the years. Alice married Reuben Mellmer on February 22, 1952 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They have three boys Roger, Jerry, and James, and have made New England their home since their marriage. They were members of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Alice was a member the Altar Guild.
Alice and Reuben enjoyed camping and fishing, hardly missing an opportunity to spend time at the lake with family and friends. In her spare time she enjoyed relaxing with needlework, gardening, and yard work. And even though Alice worked as a cook for many years she still found the time to have a joy for cooking at home for family. Friends were important to Alice and she loved going to morning coffee with the ladies and visiting. They also spent time league bowling and in later years Alice still went to watch the sport and visit with friends.
Alice is survived by her husband, Reuben; their three sons, Roger Mellmer, Junction City, Kan., Jerry (Cheryl) Mellmer, New England, and James Mellmer, New England; eight grandchildren, Sherri (Lonnie) Anderson, Stacy Mellmer, Kristy Mellmer, Jessica (Jamison) Sabo, Amanda Mellmer, Cory Mellmer, Max Mellmer and Amanda Mellmer; two great-grandchildren, Alexandra Anderson and Trenton Anderson; one sister, Sandra Hagemeister, Dickinson; three brothers, Marvin (Swann) Flaaen, Fayetteville, N.C., Art (Theresa) Flaaen, Junction City, Kan., and Roy Flaaen, Detroit, Mich.; and a close family friend, Duane Wobig, New England. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Joyce, Lois and Doris; and two brothers, Richard and Buck.
Alice enjoyed life and even through the hard times she was strong. Her family would like to honor her courage of being a two time cancer survivor. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Relay for Life so others can be empowered by her courage.
