Alice Sayles

Alice M. Sayles, age 89 of Ortonville, MN, passed away on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at Fairway View Neighborhoods in Ortonville.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 31st at 10:30 a.m. at Abiding Faith Lutheran Church (433 Crestview Ave, Ortonville, MN 56278) with visitation on Sunday, January 30th from  2-5 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Monday, one hour prior to the service.

Pastor Richard Larson will officiate. Burial will be in the Clinton City Cemetery. Casket bearers will be: Robert Sayles, Kirby Sayles, Benjamin Zahrbock, Bryant Zahrbock, Aaron Goulet, Andrew Goulet, Jeremiah Sayles, and Andrew Larson. Honorary bearers will be Alice’s 27 great- grandchildren.

Masks are requested by the family at the visitation and service. The service will be livestreamed and recorded and viewable below this obituary.

Alice Mae Fitzner was born July 19, 1932, at the farm home near Ortonville MN.  She was the daughter of Leonard and Marie Fitzner.  Alice was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ortonville.  Alice lived on a farm northwest of Big Stone City, SD.  She attended rural school thru 8th grade.  She worked for neighbors cleaning houses through the winter months after which she helped her dad with the farming.  At the age of 18, Alice moved to Ortonville where she had many jobs.  While a cashier at National Foods she met Wally.  They were married September 8th, 1957.  They were blessed with five children.  While living in Clinton they owned and operated several businesses.  Alice was a very hard worker and had many skills and loved helping others.  She also was the head cook for many years at the Clinton school.  Alice was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary in Clinton.

Alice’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always came first in her life.  She loved visiting with them on the phone and hearing about all the things they were doing.  She never missed a birthday or anniversary and always called or sent a card.  They all loved Grandma’s macaroni salad.

Alice had a very strong faith and always hoped her family would follow her example.  She taught Sunday School for over 40 years.  Alice loved her Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves and all the grandkids’ sports.  She loved to cook, garden, clean Wally’s fish, and visit with people. Wally and Alice were married for 64 years.

Alice is survived by her loving family: husband, Wally; children: Dan(Casey) Sayles, Dave(Lisa)Sayles, Brenda(Brent) Zahrbock, Doug Sayles & Dianne Larson, Barb(Chris) Goulet; sister, Darlene Loeschke; brother, Don(Patsy)Fitzner; grandchildren: Robert(Randi)Sayles, Kirby(Alyssa) Sayles, Hannah(Zach)Ziemer, Toby Sayles & fiancé Koral, Teresa Sayles, Amanda Sayles, Jeremiah(Lindsey) Sayles, Rebekah(Josh)Haag, Ashley(Archie) Weatherspoon IV, Benjamin(Kerri) Zahrbock, Bryant(Anna) Zahrbock, Aaron(Jody) Larson, Andrew(Lisa) Larson, Aaron(Adrianela) Goulet, Andrew(Leah) Goulet, Brendan Goulet & fiancé Kendra, Joseph Goulet & fiancé Sarah, Meghan Goulet, Kellie & Michael Webster, Bradley Folkens & friend Molly; 27 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Alice was preceded in death by her parents: Leonard and Marie Fitzner; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Oliver and Greta Sayles; brother, Dale Fitzner; brother-in- law, Jim Loeschke; and grandson, Noah Sayles.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.