Alice M. Lundberg

Alice Mae (Whybrew) Lundberg, 84, passed away peacefully at home after a long courageous battle with Rheumatoid Arthritis on January 7, 2021. She was born December 26, 1936 to Albert and Genevieve Whybrew.  She grew up on the family farm in the North Delta area. Alice attended and graduated from Rapid River High School.    

She met her future husband, Frank, while exhibiting their 4-H calves at the U.P. State Fair.  A few years later, Alice married Frank on September 24, 1955. They lived in the Ensign area in a home they built together eventually having two sons: James and David. In 1968, Frank’s career took them to the Zelienople, PA area. In 1977, they moved to Appleton and returned to the U.P. in 1990 upon his retirement.   

Alice taught 4-H for 35+ years in both Ensign and Zelienople areas. Many of her former students recall her patience and subtle etiquette training. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. She made numerous sweaters and heavy knitted socks for her loved ones. Alice served on the church altar guild and funeral ministries, oversaw the church library, found time to teach religion education, and was a school “reading buddy.”

She was constantly baking bread and sweets which was enjoyed by her family and friends. Alice routinely “canned” fruits and vegetables creating a full winter pantry. She enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening. Her Ensign residence was very colorful with the many flowers she tended to during the summer months. 

In her late 30s, she was afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis causing much pain, disfiguration, and requiring numerous surgeries on damaged joints. Watching her knit and crochet was remarkable coupled with her physical challenges. She was an inspiration to others wearing her disability with a smile while earning numerous U.P. State Fair awards in knitting and crocheting. Later Alice suffered the loss of her vision, robbing her of her beloved knitting and crocheting activities. Weekly, she hosted a women’s Bible study and developed a group of very dear friends through it. She was a member of the Christian Woman’s Club for many years in Appleton and Delta County.

Alice believed in the value of education and the love of reading which was passed down to her from her mother and uncles who were teachers. She encouraged her sons with their college pursuits. Similarly, she encouraged her grandchildren in higher education, which inspired some of them to continue the tradition of becoming teachers.

Alice is survived by her husband of 65 years, Frank Lundberg; two sons, James (Fran) Lundberg, and David (Cheryl) Lundberg; grandchildren and step-grandchildren, JoAnne (Ryan) Spence, Angela (Chris) Lopac, Amy Lundberg, Ben Lundberg, Kelly (Will) Weerts, and Kevin (Amy) Brienen; numerous great-grandchildren; her sister, Elizabeth (Carl) Beyne; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins along with her beloved extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Genevieve (Wylie) Whybrew; brother and sister-in-law, John and Vicky Whybrew; and daughter-in-law, Michele (Morin) Lundberg.

Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, a small family celebration of life will be with Rev. Stephen Gauger officiating. A larger outdoor celebration of life will be planned during May of 2021 with details to be announced at a later date. Burial will take place in the Rapid River Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, there is a memorial established in Alice’s name. 

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