Alice R. Halvorson

Alice R. Halvorson, a long-time Stewartville resident, died on Friday, July 26, 2024, from complications of heart and kidney disease at Mayo Clinic Rochester - Methodist Campus.

Alice Rae Shove was born on August 23, 1936, in Tioga, Louisiana, to Samuel and Norma (Normand) Shove. She grew up in Alexandria, LA attending Bolton High School. She met Dale L Hunt while he was stationed at England Air Force Base in Alexandria. They were married in Louisiana on November 17, 1953. She moved with Dale to Rochester, MN where he was hired by IBM and after a brief stint in New York for his training courses, they then settled in Stewartville MN. Dale died on June 16, 1980. On February 28, 1998, Alice married John H. Halvorson in Stewartville. John was a retiree of IBM-Rochester. John and Alice lived on the Halvorson farm until John’s death on January 22, 2024. 

Alice was very proud to have attained a GED and her LPN license in 1976 from Rochester Vocational and Technical college. She began her employment at the Stewartville Nursing Home in 1970 as a Nurse’s Aide. She then became an LPN and retired in 1998. She loved caring for the elderly and gave her patients the love and care they deserved. She took a leave of absence to care for her first husband, Dale, while he was in treatment for cancer. She also cared for her second husband, John, when he became ill. It meant a lot to her to be able to care for each husband in their home.

Alice was an avid and excellent bowler for more than 40 years even appearing at state tournaments from time to time. She enjoyed being a Stewartville Lioness and was very proud of her Lioness vest and all of her traded pins. She was a strong supporter of the Stewartville American Legion Post #164. She encouraged many to come out for Monday night burgers and Wednesday night bingo. She had a long standing seat at “her” table for bingo. Alice’s roots from Louisiana taught her the best of cajun cooking. Dirty rice, southern fried chicken, shrimp etouffee and gumbo were often on Alice’s table.

Alice cheered at many of her grandchildren’s sporting events. She could be seen proudly in the stands with maroon and gold shirts, hats, socks, etc and her special pillow seat. She had a great time on any dance floor. She was the spotlight at the wedding dances of her grandchildren. She entertained frequently out at the farm and enjoyed giving the fruits of her and John’s garden to many recipients. Alice was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and became fond of the late service over the early traditional service. She listened to music of all kinds and during the few days she had at her new townhome, you could hear her Alexa playing music when you pulled in the driveway.

Alice is survived by three daughters Deborah (Mike) Garry of Rochester MN, Robin (Kevin) Splittstoesser of Stewartville MN, Joni (Todd) Craft of Andover MN; two stepsons and one stepdaughter - Terry (Laurie) Halvorson of Monroe NC, Kevin of Duluth MN, and Karen (Michael) Laures of Stewartville MN; seven grandchildren Lindsay (Brian) Broveleit, Hannah (Zachary) Lechner, Kyle Splittstoesser, Laura (Eric) Neville, Leigh (Anthony) Dzubay, Jennifer Craft (Anthony Simmons), and Melissa (Jordan) Tradewell. six step-grandchildren - Danielle (Cody) Schmitt, Brittany (Drew) Johnson, Aslynn (Andrew) Weaver, Andrew Halvorson, Justin Halvorson and Erik Halvorson; 9 great grandchildren - Coco, Reese, Kennady, Mason, Paxton, Jovie, Jonas, Juliette, and Maxwell and 5 step great grandchildren - Addison, Owen, Greyson, Tessa, and Rowan. Alice was preceded in death by her two husbands, parents, a brother, Louis Shove of Alexandria, LA, and sisters Billie Galvan of Fayetteville, NC, and Grace Maxmenko of Olympia, WA.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Tim Bowman officiating. Burial and a committal service will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Stewartville. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Monday, August 5, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday morning.

The family suggests memorials to the Stewartville American Legion Post #164. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Alice are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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