Alma Twedell

Alma W. Twedell of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away on December 10, 2013, at her home. Alma was born November 24, 1924, to Adolph and Signa Lannerdson in what was then known as the Grand Forks County Hospital. A 1942 graduate of Grand Forks Central High School, she was a good student who excelled in business courses, especially with favorite teacher Dorothy Travis, who prepared her well for an internship at Bridston's Insurance and a position at Dale Insurance following graduation. Alma met Lester R. Twedell, Sr., in Grand Forks where they were a standout couple known as "Blondie and Red" in their social scene at the local roller skating rink, dance halls, and around town. They married in Grand Forks on February 28, 1943, prior to Les's departure for the U. S. Army and World War II service in this country and Europe. Alma and Les were married nearly 66 years before his passing in 2009, and they had four children, Lester, Jr., Jo Ann, Jerri Lee, and Gary. Once all their children were in school, Alma was an exemplary employee at Charlie's Bakery and J. C. Penney's, served as President of the Wilder Elementary School PTA, and volunteered at the local YMCA Day Care Center. She also found time to be a group leader and den mother for her kids in the Boy and Girl Scouts programs. Alma had many interests and hobbies. She loved doing hair, and her kitchen was always open for friends and sisters-in-law to come over for home permanents. A proud Norwegian, she loved to make lefse and other Scandinavian specialties at Christmastime. As a mom, she was committed to excellence in education, and she was a superb supporter of her childrens' goals and dreams. An animal lover, Alma took great care of the family pets: dogs, cats, birds, all of them. When the kids were grown and on their own, she developed some of her own talents through ceramics classes, macrame, and other crafts. She and Les loved to travel around the state and to Minnesota to do some camping at regional state parks, view outdoor theater productions, attend trap shoots, and visit family in North Dakota, Idaho, and Montana. Alma loved to travel and flew to San Francisco, California at the age of 85 for the birth of her first great-granddaughter Hannah, and a year later traveled to Durango, Colorado for Hannah's first birthday celebration. Alma was passionate about Grand Forks student and community theater and attended performances at the Chester Fritz Auditorium, the Firehouse Theater, and at Red River High School for many years. She loved watching the races at the Grand Forks Speedway, where Les was a racing judge for many years and a Hall of Fame inductee. She cheered on her Minnesota Vikings and her favorite NASCAR drivers, and was a Super Fan of the University of North Dakota mens' and womens' hockey teams. After Les's death, Alma moved to Parkwood Senior Living where she enjoyed meeting new friends and participating in social events, excursions, movies, and visits to local restaurants. Parkwood held a special place in her heart, including special friends Christie, Gail, Marlys, Elaine, Jo, and many others. Alma is survived by her children Lester R. Twedell, Jr., Riverside, CA; Jo Ann (Ed)Russell, Great Falls, MT; and Gary W. Twedell of Grand Forks; her granddaughter Elizabeth (Adam) Ahern and her great-granddaughters Hannah and Britta, all of Durango, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Martha McDonald, her husband Lester, Sr., her daughter Jerri Lee Grinde and grandchildren Jodi, Justin, and Jena Grinde. Graveside Services will be 10:30 AM Friday, May 16, 2014 in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks. A celebration of Life service will take place 12:00 PM Friday, May 16, 2014 in Parkwood Place Senior Living Center, 749 S. 30th St., Grand Forks, ND.