Alice Ann Goodwater

FUNERAL SERVICES: Memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home VISITATION: Noon until the time of service on Saturday ALICE ANN GOODWATER December 22, 1929 " January 28, 2009Alice Ann Goodwater, age 79, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at her home surrounded by her loved ones after a valiant battle with cancer. Alice Ann Goodwater was born on December 22, 1929 to Charles and Lydia (Mueller) Wiskur in Elkton, South Dakota. She attended country school through the 8th grade and went on to continue her education at the Elkton High School in Elkton, SD. During her school years, she was involved in church activities and loved music. She sang, played the piano, the harmonica and her favorite, the accordion. She also enjoyed horseback riding, and helping on the family farm. She always loved the out-of-doors; including planting a large vegetable and flower garden each spring, watching the many varieties of birds that could be found near her home, and also enjoyed the company of the animals that inhabited the areas near her house; especially her pet chipmunk who lived just outside the door and the tail-less gray squirrel who seemed to be quite fond of her. She married Floyd Goodwater on May 16, 1962. The couple lived in Elkton, SD for a period of time where they owned and operated a plumbing business. They eventually moved to Wisconsin where they continued with the plumbing business. In 1963, they moved to Kenyon, MN where they operated a small restaurant until moving to Park Rapids, MN in 1965. Alice took on many jobs including: working at a turkey processing plant, a milk factory, a nursing home, Carter Ringer Coat Manufacturing and as a laundry aid at St. Joseph"s Hospital where she worked until her retirement. Alice had many hobbies and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Some of her other favorite pastimes included: painting scenic pictures, embroidery, and playing cards and board games. Alice was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids and also a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Auxiliary. Above all, Alice devoted her life to her family who she loved with all her heart. Alice will be remembered by her family and friends for her positive attitude and optimistic outlook on life. Her favorite motto was, "If there is a will, then there will be a way". Alice is survived by 7 daughters: Sandy (Darryl) Huebner of Rockford, Michigan, Karen Overholt of Park Rapids, MN, Bonnie (Cecil) Campbell of Detroit Lakes, MN, Barb (George) Rocksandich of Stephens City, Virginia, Bev (Dale) Schmitz of Detroit Lakes, MN, Becky (Garrett) Sumstad of Dassel, MN, Dawn (Dwayne) Peterson of Park Rapids, MN; 3 sons: Paul (Rosie) West of St. Louis, Missouri, Randy (Jackie) Goodwater of Park Rapids, MN, and Chuck Goodwater of Park Rapids, MN; 2 sisters: Darlene (Wayne) Ward of Brookings, South Dakota and Marlene (Gordon) Bruening of Elkton, South Dakota; 1 sister-in-law, Bev Wiskur of San Diego, California; 1 brother-in-law, Cliff (Lydia) Goodwater of Motley, MN; 23 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; along with many relatives and a big heart full of friends she dearly loved. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; a brother, Clarence Wiskur; and a son-in-law, Tom Overholt. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 31, 2009 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Ken Nyhusmoen officiating. Roz Pederson will be the accompanist. Bill and Jan Lundsten will sing "The Old Rugged Cross" and "On The Wings Of A Snow White Dove". Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service on Saturday.