The memorial service for Naomi W. Alexander, 104, of Aberdeen, SD, was 11:00am, Monday, April 17, 2023, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Heidi Youngquist officiating. Inurnment will be at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery, Aberdeen, at a later date. Naomi died Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen.
Visitation was 5:00-7:00pm, Sunday, and was followed by a prayer service at 7:00pm at Spitzer-Miller Funeral Home, 1111 South Main Street.
Naomi Andrea Waage was born in Day County to Mathias and Jorgine (Bandal) Waage on June 16, 1918, the second youngest of twelve siblings. She grew up in the rural Langford area, received her education there and was confirmed at Falnes Church. She stayed on the farm to help her aging parents until she was 19. At a carnival in Langford, she was introduced to Russell Alexander. They courted, fell in love, and were married at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in 1939.
When WWII broke out, her young husband enlisted in the navy, so in 1942, Naomi traveled alone cross country to Norfolk, Virginia, to be near him. Later that year, she made the adventurous decision to move to California as Russell had been sent to Port Hueneme. They shared a brief month there before he shipped out to the South Pacific.
Naomi was thrilled to find work at North America Aviation in Inglewood, CA, one of the many larger providers of military airplanes. Thus began a period of her life which she always recalled with great pride. She was sent to school and began work as a “Rosie the Riviter” on B-25 Mitchell bombers. Soon she advanced to installation of the Automatic Pilot. When the plant shifted to production of the P-51 Mustang, Naomi was promoted to inspector with the responsibility of ensuring that the fuel lines in the cockpit were properly installed and the canopy was functioning perfectly. She believed her work was important and took it very seriously, as she knew the planes she was helping to build were going to battle. She was proud to do her part in supporting the war effort.
Naomi and Russell returned to Aberdeen after the war, began building their home, and soon became a family of three with the birth of their daughter, Linda.
A member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church since 1939, Naomi took an active role in many areas. Teaching Sunday School, holding leadership positions in Ladies’ Aide, organizing bazaars, serving church dinners, and membership in Circle and Bible Study groups were all meaningful to her and deepened her faith. She treasured the many friends there over the years.
As her husband was a postal employee, she became a member, then a state leader in the National Association of Letter Carriers Auxiliary. In retirement years, she was a part of NARFE.
Naomi was a charter member of Sons of Norway, Grieg Lodge. Her Norwegian heritage was an enormous source of pride and she loved celebrating it. As a member of the lodge Sangkor, she enjoyed singing in Norwegian and helping others with the language. Holidays were not complete without Norwegian delicacies, so preparing lefse, krumkake, Julekaga, kumla, and an occasional lutefisk dinner was a standard practice. She also learned the art of rosemaling and produced many lovely pieces. Norway was close to her heart so she felt fortunate to make 2 trips there to visit family.
Naomi enjoyed gardening and was known for her beautiful flowers and her loving care of birds and squirrels. She was truly a nature lover and passed on that passion to many, especially her daughter. She was an accomplished seamstress and loved cooking and baking, often showing up at the door of a friend with freshly baked treats. Her lemon meringue pies were everyones favorite.
Naomi lived in her own home until she was 96 when she chose to move to Towne Square. During the past 2 years, she has resided at Bethesda Home. Both Naomi and her family have been filled with gratitude for the mindful attention and kindness given to meeting her needs, both physical and emotional. The comforting presence of Palliative Care and Hospice as she neared the end of this life was deeply appreciated.
Blessed to have shared her life are her daughter Linda Ellis, her other daughter Zelda Chapel, both of Aberdeen, her adopted granddaughter Darcie Boddington of Alberquerque, NM, one brother-in-law, George Casanova, and many special nieces and nephews.
Preceding Naomi in death are her husband Russell, her parents, her brothers Bernard, George, and Mindor Waage, and sisters Regine Sampson, Hannah Sanve, Josie Osness, Martha Nelson, Emma Hanson, Caroline Holdridge, Marith Goreham, and Ann Larson, as well as several nieces and nephews.
If memorials are desired, the family suggests that they be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, SPURS Therapeutic Riding Center, or Aspire, Inc., all of Aberdeen.
