Alethe Constance Grinager Berkvam, a life long resident of Clarkfield, Minnesota, died July 5, 2001, at the Chippewa County Montevideo Hospital, Montevideo, Minnesota, at the age of 89. She was born in Clarkfield to Anton and Annie (Molstad) Grinager on September 1, 1911. Her early years were spent living above her father's general store, Grinager's. At the age of four, her family moved to 620 10th Ave. where Alethe lived for 81 years. Alethe remembers wooden sidewalks and horse-drawn grocery wagons as a child. Alethe was baptized and confirmed at Clarkfield Lutheran Church, remaining a lifelong member there. She was active in many church activities, including Circle, Ladies Aid and choir. Alethe attended Clarkfield schools, and was a member of the class of 1929. She participated in numerous activities at school, including plays and sports. Her favorite sport to play was basketball. On April 29, 1936, Alethe married Ardine O. Berkvam at Clarkfield Lutheran Church. To this union, one son, Ardine Jr. was born. Alethe's main occupation was that of homemaker, although she occasionally assisted at her father's general store, often as a buyer of gifts and apparel. She was also a skilled caretaker, lovingly caring for her siblings, aunt, parents and husband through their illnesses and deaths. Alethe had many interests. She loved to sing, whistle and play the piano. She was a excellent seamstress. Nary a day went by without her baking some kind of bread or goodie. She especially loved to bake Norwegian flatbrod, kringla, lefse, and krumkake. Alethe loved animals, raising birds and having three dachshunds as pets. She also enjoyed gardening and loved relaxing in the yard and screenhouse. Along with her husband, Alethe attended countless sporting events. She followed the athletic careers of her son and grandchildren, as well as their coaching endeavors. One of Alethe's greatest passions was that of researching and recording family history. She was very proud of her Norwegian heritage, and also of her small town roots. She spent many hours compiling scrapbooks, photo albums, family trees and journals. A highlight of her genealogy efforts came in 1970 with a trip to Norway to visit relatives and ancestral sites. She and Ardine were frequent hosts to Norwegian relatives and friends visiting the U.S. They also enjoyed various activites and events as longtime Sons of Norway members. Alethe will be remembered for her gentle, modest demeanor, her warm smile, and her frequent giggle. She was always ready to provide hospitality to friends, relatives and anyone needing a cookie and some conversation. She was polite without fail, yet her spirit never dimmed. Atethe is survived by her son Ardine (Al) Berkvam of Bloomington, Minnesota; four grandchildren: Amy (Bob) Pfefferle of Northfield, Minnesota, Andy (Marne) Berkvam of Lakeville, Minnesota; Kristi (Mike) Stratton and Jill (Kevin) Argll of Minneapolis. Alethe was great grandmother to seven children: Tallie, Otto, Rachel, Ingrid, Cassie, Anna and Grace. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Ardine O. Berkvam, parents Anton and Annie Grinager, sister Martha Grinager, and brothers Morris and Gifford Grinager. Funeral Service Tuesday, July 10, 2001 * 2:00 p.m. Clarkfield Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Officiating, Pastor Julie Smith Organist, Karen Donner Memories by the Grandchildren Kristi Stratton and Amy Pfefferle Casket Bearers Mike Stratton, Bob Pfefferle Kevin Argall, Marvin Koenen Arvid Risa, Mike Risa Vocalist, Les Mikelson "Den Store Hvide Flok" "Amazing Grace" Final Resting Place Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield