Alona Marie Harper

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/WMYX0qe47wI 

Alona Marie Harper, 78 of East Grand Forks, Minnesota passed away at her home Tuesday, April 1, 2025, under the care of her daughters and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Alona was born July 11, 1946, the daughter of Michael and Jeanette (Varnson) Nikle in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She was raised and educated in Grand Forks, graduating from Grand Forks Central High School in 1964. Alona attended Aakers Business College. She was united in marriage to Morall Bruce “Tom” Harper in Crookston, Minnesota on May 22, 1967.

They lived in California and New York before returning to East Grand Forks in 1973. Alona worked as a secretary and bookkeeper until starting her own business, Country Corner Ceramics. Later she had a porcelain doll, knitting and embroidery business as well. She enjoyed working on computers and doing taxes for family and friends.

Alona was a talented seamstress, quilter, and cake decorator. She enjoyed hosting large groups for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries and even a couple of wedding receptions at her home. She loved spending time with friends and family at the lake, cooking, fishing, and playing cards. She was a lifelong member at United Lutheran Church, active in the women’s circle and Friday Fellowship group.

Alona is survived by her two daughters, Kimberlie (Tom) Ackerland and Kristina (Shane) Black both of East Grand Forks, MN; sisters, Darlene Stevens (Nick Gonzales) and Lori (Paul) Peterson both of Grand Forks, ND; brothers, Michael Jr (Jeannie) Nikle of Grand Forks, ND, Ronald (Sherri Parent-Flaten) Nikle of Minto, ND; Oral (Elaine) Nikle and Danny Nikle both of Grand Forks, ND; Aunts Colleen Varnson and Elizabeth Mesa of Grand Forks, God daughter, Emma Johnson of East Grand Forks, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Alona was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Jeanette (Varnson) Nikle, her husband, Morall Bruce“Tom” Harper, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home. Luncheon following at United Lutheran Church 324 Chestnut Street Grand Forks, ND.