Alice Elaine (Carlson) Puranen

Alice Elaine (Carlson) Puranen, 85, of Aitkin, passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.  Alice was born Dec. 7, 1937 to Carl and Ethel (Glashan) Carlson in Aitkin. She grew up in Aitkin and graduated from Aitkin High School.  She worked as a switchboard operator at the telephone company and then at the Aitkin County Courthouse for the Veterans Affairs office for 29 years. She helped countless veterans and their spouses with questions, apply for benefits, and some who were dealing with tragedy, Alice would find the care that was needed.  She was very proud of her work, making many friends along the way. Alice loved deer hunting and fishing when she was younger. She enjoyed painting wildlife pictures on saws, mushrooms, distressed wood, or just about any surface. She was an avid bowler and belonged to the Priscilla Club. Once a month Alice attended the Aitkin High School class reunion lunches at the 40 Club. She loved gardening and flowers along with visiting with friends and family. She always had a story or a joke to tell and her contagious laughter will be missed by many. 

She was preceded in death by husbands: Patrick Plunkett, Marvin Berg, and Jim Puranen; daughters: Peggy Plunkett and Susan Puranen; granddaughter Allison Bayerle; brothers: John Carlson and Bob Carlson; and her parents Carl and Ethel Carlson.

She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law: Marjorie (Kim) Proctor and Renee (Joe) Bayerle; son Dennis Plunkett; grandchildren Jennifer (Jason) Henke, Kent (Tara) Proctor, Jacob (Kelly) Bayerle, Joseph (Kalli) Bayerle; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters Darlene Steinke and Robena Moloy; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Family and friends were very important to Alice.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. - Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin.  Lorelie Robinson will be the presiding minister. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Aitkin at a later date.  Go to www.srtfuneral.com to leave a message of condolence

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