Alice Riess

Alice J. Riess, age 90, of Rochester, MN died Monday, April 19, 2021 at Cottagewood in Rochester, MN. Alice June Riess was born June 4, 1930 in Kenyon, MN the daughter of Carl and Mabel (Heltne) Remold. She had two older twin sisters, Marilyn and Mavis and a younger sister, Delphine. Alice's mother died when she was a young teenager, so she was raised on the farm by her dad. Alice graduated from Kenyon High School in 1949. She worked as a nurse's aide at the Methodist Hospital and met her future husband, Howard Riess. They were married at Gol Lutheran Church in Kenyon on Wednesday, April 13, 1955 (which was her mother's birthday). In their union they were blessed with two children, Elizabeth and Carl. Alice was a daycare mom for many years in her home. She also worked as a housekeeper at the Galaxy Hotel. Alice loved to knit and crochet- winning many ribbons at county fairs. She crocheted baby blankets, afghans, dresses and coats for her family and friends. She proudly crocheted the baptism outfit (dress, cap, booties and blanket) for her granddaughters Amanda, Emily and great- grand daughter, Brenna to wear at their baptisms. Alice was a country music fan with a nice collection of 78's and was a Minnesota Twins fan, too. She enjoyed Scandanavian baking of lefse, krumkaka , sandbakkles and rosettes. Alice and Howard enjoyed trips to Branson, the Pella Tulips, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany and Norway. She loved attending her grandchildren's events: school, sports and music. and was extremely proud of each one of them. Alice was a member of Zumbro Lutheran Church for 65 years and helped with weddings, funeral and church bazaars. She enjoyed baking cookies, family vacations, and time at Hay Lake Lodge. She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth (Mark) Ellson of Rochester, MN; seven grandchildren, Amanda (Leif) Madsen, Emily Ellson, Alissa Riess, Erik Riess, Ryan Riess, Parker Riess and Edward Riess; great granddaughter, Brenna Madsen; sister, Delphine Burt and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard Riess; son, Carl Riess; sisters, Mavis Oeltjenbruns and Marilyn Dahl. Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, April 24, 2021at Zumbro Lutheran Church 624 3rd Avenue SW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Live streaming of the service can be viewed at www.zumbrolutheran.org. Private family interment will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Rochester, MN. Memorials are preferred to The Haven at Cottagewood, Mayo Hospice or Zumbro Lutheran Church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Riess family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com