Alice A. Berens, 89, died Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at First Care Nursing Home in Fosston, MN.

Alice Bardwell was born December 18, 1919 in Clearbrook, MN to parents Arthur and Minnie Bardwell. Alice attended county schools in the Clearwater County area. In 1939 she moved to Chief Township in Mahnomen County to be the "hired girl" to help Peter and Mary Berens. Edward, who farmed with his father, became infatuated with Alice and they were married on October 30, 1939 in Mahnomen.
Alice was a member of the Hobby Club for many years, was an avid gardener, enjoyed canning and baking, and took great pride in her home and yard. When visitors came to the farm, she always had a cup of coffee and baked goods were in abundance. Alice was an amazing cook, and holidays were an opportunity for her to showcase her skills. She enjoyed spending her time crocheting and doing embroidery, and taught her daughter Joanie and granddaughters Laurie and Monica, how to crochet and embroider. Much of her handiwork became treasured gifts for family and friends.
Spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was one of the things she enjoyed the most. She was never too busy for them. Not only was she generous with her talents and resources, but she was also generous with her time. It didn't matter what she had planned for the day - her grandchildren always came first.

Survivors include one daughter, Joanie (Doug) Kramer, Bejou, MN; three grandchildren: Laurie (Phil) Juve, Fosston, MN, Monica (Scott) McConkey, Detroit Lakes, MN; Michael Kramer, Mahnomen, MN; great grandchildren: Nick, Andrew, and Luke Juve; Wyatt, Austin and Kaitlin McConkey; and Hannah and Kassidy Christianson; brother, Wayne(Helen) Bardwell, Yuma, AZ; three sisters-in-law: Alvina Kirchner, Newport, MN, Ruth Bardwell, Grandview, WA, and Betty Bardwell, Clearbrook, MN; and a brother-in-law, Don Mitchell, Fair Oaks, IN.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, in 1990; daughter, Beverly, in 1953; four brothers: Clifford, Jesse, Lyle and an infant; four sisters: Ruby Gardner, Vivian Hofferber, Grace Mitchell and Dorothy Torgerson; two half brothers, Ernest and Floyd Bardwell; and a half sister, Gladys Tibbets.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday April 13, 2009 at 2 pm at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen. Visitation will be held one hour prior to mass on Monday at the church. Burial will be in the St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.