Obituaries

Alvina Girdeen (84) of Ellsworth, WI passed away peacefully on Jan 8, 2025.

She was born 1/2/1941 at home in a log cabin in Hager City, WI. She was the 9th child born to Walter and Ruth (Olson) Nelson.

She graduated from Ellsworth HS, class of 1959. That fall, she married Roger Girdeen on Sept 18, 1959. Together they raised their 6 children while dairy farming. She also spent 24 years working for Strum Homes/Brotoloc, helping fry fish at Fellman’s in East End (we think it was more fun than work) along with various other jobs – all while not having a driver’s license!

Alvina ruled her roost like a bantie hen. If the broom came out – Kids Run!

She will be remembered for her quick wit, great sense of humor and infectious smile. She enjoyed painting, playing farkle and dominoes with the 2 old ladies across the street and her family, especially her grandkids. Beer and cuss words were allowed during play. She loved cooking for her family and friends. All were really happy when she made her famous Swedish meatballs. She was known for canning everything and bottling homemade wine (which she never drank). Corn candy and dark chocolate were some of her favorite treats.

Many a house guest would be surprised to find runt baby pigs in the claw foot bathtub while using the bathroom. She loved to have coffee and host dinners. If you were alone, there was a place at the table for you. Her extra child Bill would often appear at dinnertime. Alvina would bring residents from the Sturm home for the holidays, so they didn’t have to be alone. We loved it when they called her “Grandma” as they were many years older than her.

Alvina had an adventurous and passionate spirit. She and Roger traveled in their motor home to visit relatives all around the U.S. She loved mushroom hunting with her cousin Karen (we think they just wanted to get away from the kids), was always up for a casino run and on her bucket list she tried (just once) a special brownie with a kick to it. She had a passion for collecting elephants – saying “Be like an elephant -strong, wise and gentle”. She loved her 4-legged companions, the last being the scaredy cat – Simon. And don’t get her talking about the politics!

Alvina is survived by her children, Brian (Denice), Tammy (Larry Caturia), Randy, Mike (Holly), Kurt (fiance’ Stephanie Wright), Troy (Penny); 13 grandchildren; 6 great – grandchildren; and grand doggies.

Alvina is proceeded in death by her husband, Roger; parents, Walter and Ruth Nelson; All of her siblings, Virginia, Madelyn, Delores, Geneva, Davney, Dorene, Beverly, Clifford and their spouses. Also, granddaughter Toni.

Alvina always said she got “extra” time on earth, being on oxygen for over 20 years. She passed away with COPD, pneumonia and covid. We joked with her that she just didn’t want to be here for the upcoming inauguration. Her wish was to be cremated because she didn’t want anyone gawking at her. She will be buried in her favorite Cookie Jar.

The family would like to Thank the doctors and nursing staff at River Falls Hospital, Smith Funeral Chapel, and Ellsworth Care Center for all their care and compassion.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, Jan 26, 2025, from 1-4 at the Bluffs, N1833 785th St Hager City, WI 54014. Please come and share your fun stories with us!