Thelma VanValkenburgh

Thelma VanValkenburgh, 81, Naytahwaush, MN died       Sunday, June 23, 2019 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services for Thelma will be held Thursday, June 27 at 11AM in the Naytahwaush Sports Complex in Naytahwaush.  Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 26 at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex    beginning at 5pm.

Thelma Keezer was born July 8, 1937 in White Earth, MN to Frank and Eliza (Armstrong) Keezer. She attended boarding school in Flandreau, SD along with Pipestone, MN and graduated from Minneapolis High School.  In 1955, Thelma was united in marriage to Gerald Alger and to this union three children were born:  Terrance, Bruce and Holly. In 1963, Thelma was united in marriage to Robert VanValkenburgh in Santa Monica, CA and together, they had two  children:  Robin and James.  While living in California Thelma worked for Mattel Toy Company.  In 1970 they moved to Maryland where Thelma was employed at a sewing factory and in 1975 they moved to Minneapolis.  Thelma worked for the City of Minneapolis Parks and Recreation for many years.   In the early 1990’s they moved to “Mahkonce Corner” near the Naytahwaush area, In her spare time she enjoyed birch barking, tending to her gardens, berry picking, sewing, and loved to read.   Her family meant the world to her, she especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.  Thelma was a lady of many talents.  Her ingenuities mindset made her capable of creating anything she put her mind to.  She made the first “Teva’s and sports bras before they became fashion and always got a chuckle at how   popular they became.   Thelma was a beautiful spirit, a loving mother, grandmother and friend.  She was an example to her family with her display of kindness and compassion. Thelma will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Thelma is survived by one son  Bruce Alger, Naytahwaush; two daughters Holly Alger, of Mahkonce Corner and Robin  VanValkenburgh, North Carolina; grandchildren Amanda Alger,     Bemidji, Millissa Kingbird, Garrison, James Alger, Onamia; great-grandchildren James Raymond Burnett III, Heather Joe Burnette, Quincy, Janessa, Carly, Jany, Elicia, Michael, James Alger Jr., Randell Tucker, Kaylene Burnette, Jack Burnette, Jayce Burnette, Carmen  Burnette;  great-great-granddaughter Adela Rose Burnette; two sisters Arlene Fairbanks, Bena, MN and Clara Zollner, Cass Lake, MN.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents Frank Keezer and Eliza Armstrong Keezer; two sons Terry Alger and James VanValkenburgh; three grandchildren Elicia Alger, Joseph Alger, and Heather Alger; eight brothers and eight sisters.