Alice Lucille Hallgren (Garbe), 88, of  West Saint Paul, MN passed away quietly at home on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 2:58 p.m. with family by her side.  She was born September 24th, 1929 to Louis and Loretta (Legrid) Garbe in Ramsey County, St. Paul, MN.  Alice had an older sister Gerri and a younger brother Bill. She was baptized on October 1, 1929.  When she was seven, her mother passed away.  Alice and her sister then lived with her mother's relatives, Uncles Lester and Fred, on a farm in Star Prairie, Wisconsin.  Her brother Bill lived with another relative.

About a year later, when the family was reunited, it included a new Mom, Edith (Hedman).

When Alice was 14, she was in the first class to be confirmed in the newly built Saint James Lutheran church, West St. Paul, on October 10th, 1943.  Alice attended Humboldt High School and participated in the usual teenage activities.

When Alice was about 26, she went with one of her friends to the Prom Center in St. Paul for a dance.  That is where she met Roy Hallgren.  After a couple years of dating, they married on January 12th, 1957 at Saint James Lutheran Church, with Pastor Bolle officiating.  They built their home on Mud Lake in West St. Paul, and after 60 years, it is still their home.  Alice and Roy were married for 61 years and one day.  They were blessed with three children: Mary, Don (Betty), Jim (Tammy), and two grandchildren: Eli and Gabe.

Alice worked at a variety of jobs. As a youngster, she worked for her dad in the landscaping business (probably more volunteer than paid employment). She did office work at a Frito-Lay factory in St. Paul, and also at Montgomery Wards for 10 years.  She took a break to have children, and once they reached their teenage years, she worked part time in catering for Lil Larson.  She also worked for a photographer who took student school pictures.  When Alice and Roy retired, they joined a retirement group and traveled several times a year by bus to popular tourist sites throughout the states.  They also joined a bowling league of retired people. Alice was an avid bowler throughout her life.

Growing up with a father who worked outdoors and was an artist, Alice followed in his footsteps.  Her passion was her flowers and gardening.  She landscaped the yard with a profusion of vibrant color and a variety of perennials and annuals. She did many craft projects: counted cross stitch, crocheting, ceramics, plastic canvas, and sewing sequined Christmas stockings for the grandchildren.  She also enjoyed baking and trying new recipes she found in cookbooks or from her favorite cooking shows.

Alice was raised at Saint James Lutheran Church.  She remained a faithful member throughout her life and volunteered to be a Sunday School teacher, a member of the Priscillas, the Altar Guild, the Ladies' Guild, the Historical Committee, and the Million Stitches Committee. She cross stitched the seat section of one of the pastors' chairs in the chancel and one of the communion rail kneelers.

Alice cherished her involvement with family and friends.  She eagerly participated in any plans being made, whether it was simply shopping or exerting energy putting in a stepping stone path around a corner of a house.  She cheerfully did much for her family and friends. She showed by example, how to trust in God, especially when she was confronted with cancer and all her health issues.  She remained a faithful and strong believer in God, right to the end, when our Heavenly Father called her home to heaven.