Sylvia Alice Ahlgren

Sylvia Alice Ahlgren entered her heavenly home on October 30, 2016. The youngest of 13 children, she was born on March 24, 1928 to Oscar and Annie Burkman. As a proud Finlander, English was Sylvia’s second language, learning the English language when she started grade school. Sylvia was always a hard worker. At the age of 13 she began working as a waitress. She was working at a bakery in Menahga when she met the love of her life, partner in mischief and husband, Hugo Ahlgren. Hugo and Sylvia were married on April 10, 1948. Together they raised five children on their family farm in Sebeka. Sylvia worked right alongside Hugo driving tractor, bailing hay, cleaning manure, and so much more. When they quit farming Sylvia worked at the Wadena Hospital doing laundry, and at the age of 70 she retired from the New York Mills Nursing Home. For the last year and a half Sylvia enjoyed living in Humphrey Manor in Wadena. Sylvia’s coffee pot and delicious homemade bread were always ready for company. She loved visiting with family and friends. Her grandchildren fondly remember her token phrase, “You can have anything your little heart desires,” and everyone knew that she believed, “The more hugs the better!” She spread love and kindness everywhere she went, making strangers and dogs her friends. Sylvia will be remembered for her incredible hospitality, her loving spirit, her infectious humor, her sincere kindness, her positive outlook, and too many other exceptional traits to list. The genuine spirit of Sylvia remains with us forever. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Rueben, Frank, Arnold, Harry and Herbert; sisters: Selma Simi, Signa Pettit, Sadie Kantola, Senia Komppa, Stella Wiita, Saima Marjama, and Shirley Banks; husband, daughter Dorie, and son-in-law Red. She is survived by her children: Donna (Charles) Bartels, Darla Borgen, Duane Ahlgren, and David (Janelle) Ahlgren; great-grandchildren Haleigh, Jacob, Hannah, Gabe, Ella and Abby, grandchildren: Michelle, Stephany (Steve), Cassie, Jacob, Katie, Jared (Elspeth), Courtney (Kevin), Nichoel (Bill), Anne (Brad), Heidi (Perry), Brian (Marti); sister-in-law Esther Burkman, as well as the many close relatives and friends she considered family. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 4 from 5-8 p.m. at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 5 at 11 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Sebeka. Interment will be at Grace Lutheran Cemetery.