Obituary of Alma Dorothy Lindgren
Alma Dorothy Lindgren, age 99, passed away peacefully at home in Sylva, NC on Tuesday, June 22, 2021.
Alma was the daughter of William John Julius Huebscher and Amelia Dorothy Schliep of Green Bay, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Alvin James Lindgren, their son James Lindgren, two sons-in-law, two sisters, and two great-granddaughters. Alma is survived by children Patricia Kresser, Judy Carlson (Harold), John Lindgren, and Dianne Lindgren (Sherry). Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 4 nieces and nephews.
Growing up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Alma and her two sisters were active in the Methodist Church, especially singing in the choir together. Alma also taught herself to play piano by ear, and she enjoyed working as a gardening assistant for a neighbor. She graduated from Green Bay East High School in 1939. Following a course in entrepreneurship, she was employed with Ebner's Store for 7 years, from high school until her marriage in 1945. Alvin was a widower with two young daughters, so Alma became a wife, mother, and minister's wife all on their wedding day. The couple honeymooned at a friend's lakeside cabin, with a sightseeing trip to Chicago, before they settled into their family life. The calling of ministry later took them to Oshkosh and Watertown, WI, while Pat, Judy, Jim, and John were growing up.
The family moved to Evanston, IL in 1958 when Alvin was recruited by his alma mater, Garrett Theological Seminary, as a professor of church administration. Alma continued in her roles as homemaker, mother, and seminary faculty member's wife, also taking part in hosting faculty gatherings. During her free time, Alma enjoyed gardening, oil painting, hosting family gatherings, and traveling across country on family vacations. Retirement in 1979 took the couple to central Florida, and they continued to enjoy traveling as well as visits from their children and grandchildren. Grandsons were pleased to find the pantry was always well stocked with treats.
In 2000, the Lindgrens moved again when Alvin's health declined. They planned to settle in Sylva, NC due to the pleasant climate and to be near their youngest daughter, Dianne. Alma lost her beloved husband to heart failure in November, 2000 but she shared her daughter's home through the rest of her life. While living in Sylva, Alma joined Shepherd of the Hills ELCA Lutheran Church. Attending worship services and study groups regularly with her family, and spending quality time with them over Sunday dinner, was a highlight of each week.
Alma continued to garden, paint, read, cook, and play piano well into her 90's.
It was often noted that when skies were dark with a storm, Alma would look up and say, "Look there! Do you see that little patch of blue sky? That means it's going to clear up soon." Her optimism and perseverance, her welcoming and generous nature, were appreciated by family, friends and acquaintances throughout her lifetime. She will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at 4:00 pm on Friday, July 16, 2021 and it will be recorded for sharing with family who may be unable to travel. Alma's and Alvin's ashes will be interred together at Fairview Memorial Park, Sylva, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be offered in Alma's memory to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 749 Highway 107, Sylva, NC, NC 28779, or to Catman2 Shelter, 637 Bo Cove Rd, Cullowhee, NC 28723, or to a charity of the donor's choice.
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