Date of Birth:
Friday, April 6, 1928
Date of Death:
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Age:
84 years old

Alice Mae Colwell

Alice Mae Squires was born on April 6, 1928 in Winona, MN. She was baptized and confirmed in faith at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Alice served as a faithful disciple of Christ until He welcomed her home eternally on October 4, 2012 at the age of 84.

Alice grew up in Winona, MN, the youngest of 13 children. Honoring their German heritage, Alice received her name from the German phrase “Das ist alles,” in English “that’s all.” Alice carried a fun-loving sense of humor throughout her life, sharing it with her close family and friends.

Alice was as a devoted wife and caretaker to Burt Colwell for 53 years. Alice and Burt lived their married life in Rochester, MN where Alice raised their only son, Kirk Colwell, and helped her sister, Dolly Squires Waitikowich run Cascade Grocery near Cooke Park.

When Alice was not busy with the store and family, you could find her on the golf course with her husband and friends, a tradition she passed down to her beloved and only grandson Kyle. Alice was an outdoor enthusiast who loved to garden and was an avid reader, another hobby she passed to her beloved and only granddaughter Lindsay. She was loyal to the Rochester Public Library and enjoyed her weekly visits.

Alice was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and joyfully served in many capacities, but most remember her and Burt as the “joyful greeters.” Alice had a warm and heartfelt way of making everyone feel welcome and important. Whether at church or home, anyone who called Alice knew they would receive a jolly, “Hello, Colwells!”

In addition to son Kirk Colwell and his wife Denise Colwell, Alice is survived by her two grandchildren Lindsay Colwell and her husband Terry Czeck and Kyle Colwell. Alice was a godmother and aunt to many and had a close relationship with her goddaughter Julia Waitikowich Walter and her daughters Jessica Ihrke, Jadea (Ihrke) Abolahrari and Jessica Walter and one great grandniece Raeya Ann Abolahrari.

Alice is preceded in death by her husband Burt (2003) and all of her 12 siblings.

In her final days with us, you could find Alice with a warm cup of coffee, bird watching, doing puzzles on the porch, raking leaves with her grandson or writing letters to her granddaughter. She could also be seen on the phone with her family and friends, watering her husband’s flowers, entertaining her dogs and enjoying a dinner date with her son and his wife. Alice will be missed greatly until we reunite with her in heaven.

A funeral service for Alice is planned for 11:00AM on Monday, October 8, 2012 at Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor James Heining officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Redeemer Lutheran Church or donor’s choice.