Service Information
LuAnn Alexander of Winthrop, MN, was prematurely taken from us on September 6th, 2019 at the age of 62 after a short but courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer.
A celebration of her life will be held on September 15th, 2019 at Peace Lutheran Church in Winthrop, MN from 3:00-5:00pm.
Obituary
LuAnn was born on February 6th, 1957 in Forest City, Iowa to Truman and Phyllis (Ouverson) Knudtson. She graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School in 1975 where she was an outstanding athlete. She earned twelve varsity letters in softball, basketball and track. LuAnn was always very proud of the fact that she still holds records in track. She also met the love of her life, Bill Alexander, during her freshman year of high school. She went on to graduate from Hamilton College to pursue a career as an administrative assistant. LuAnn was administrative assistant to the principal at GFW High School for many years. During her time at GFW, LuAnn touched many lives whether it was a nervous new teacher, respectfully laying down the law, bonding with students sent to the office, or taking care of all the details that kept the school running smoothly. LuAnn did all of this with spunk and a kind, caring attitude. She also served as SEIU Local 284 Union Steward where she recently testified in front of a Senate Committee advocating for rural school funding.
LuAnn and Bill were married in 1976 and recently celebrated their 43rd year of marriage. Their marriage and love for each other was something many admired and strived to achieve. They had four children and nine grandchildren. LuAnn enjoyed reading, gardening, holidays, planning parties, time at the cabin, traveling, and playing cards. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. LuAnn was known for her selflessness and always putting others first. LuAnn, AKA “Grandma LuLu”, spent endless hours planning epic Halloween and Christmas parties for her grandchildren to enjoy. She always had a smile on her face, except when checking out at a store, because she had a knack for always picking the slowest line.
LuAnn is survived by her husband Bill Alexander. Children; Matt (Lindsay) Alexander, Jim (Chrissy) Alexander, Rachael (Michael) Newman, Jenna (Mike) Cruz. Nine grandchildren; Oren, Maddyn and Grayson Alexander, Avery, Carter and Max Newman, Eliot, Esme and Micah Cruz. Three siblings; Dan (Lois) Knudtson, Mark (Connie) Knudtson, Tammy (Jeff Overgaard) Knudtson. Brother-in-law Chuck (Beverly) Alexander and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
David Fuller-Rueschman says
Dearest Jenna and Family
Our thoughts are with you all during this most difficult of times. Celebrate the joy and live that you Mom is!
The Fuller-Rueschman Family
Sarah says
Mr. Alexander,
I am so sorry for your loss. Lu was a great woman and we all have many wonderful memories of her. Prayers to you and your family.
May she live on through all of you.
Sincerely,
Sarah Koskela and family
Scott Schroeder says
I definitely fall into the category “being sent to the office”! Over the years growing up with Jim and knowing his siblings. It was evident along with Bill, LuAnn is a great role model for her children, but also the students that walked into that office… voluntarily or not. I’m certain she will be deeply missed by all who know her. My heart felt sympathies to all.
Donna Peichel Wehe says
LuAnn was the nicest person ever. She will be missed. I was once their babysitter a long time ago. I admired how she and Bill took time to be together as a couple. Mr. A was a very influential teacher and coach. My sympathies for the family.
Kari Haler says
I didn’t know LuAnn but was struck when I read that she had Neuroendocrine Cancer. I know that it is a rare cancer as I also was diagnosed with it five years ago at Mayo in Rochester. I would like to give all of you that knew and loved LuAnn my sympathy and prayers. Her obituary showed that she clearly was an accomplished lady and a wonderful person, wife, mother and grandmother. You will all miss her immensely but have wonderful memories to hold on to.
With Sincere sympathy,
Kari Haler,
Sleepy Eye, Mn.
Laurie Stammer says
Our heartfelt sympathy from Local 284. LuAnn also worked as a HERO in our political program and was on staff at our local for a short while, which was wonderful, however the drive to South St. Paul was understandably too much on a daily basis. LuAnn was a 100% reliable steward and little was needed from staff to support her because she was an abundantly trained professional in her union work.
This winter LuAnn did indeed testify at a senate hearing and a rural education listening session. I along with our political director picked her and Gretchen Black up and together we rode to Windom for the day, and LuAnn did a splendid job explaining what life is like day to day in an underfunded rural district. In fact she did so good that she was our first choice when the senate needed testifiers, and though she did not know it she was on the short list to be a asked to sit on a state wide committee advising on education equity (i can hear her ask me how much time would that take?) I had planned on nominating her for member of the year this year, which she very much deserved.
If you have ever witnessed LuAnn advocating for her members when she was righting a wrong, you know that she was unquestionably in it for the right reasons.
As a union leader she will be missed, and as a friend also. We had a casual plan to retire in the same time frame. While I am so sorry for your loss, and mine, i am also thankful that LuAnn was LuAnn and the world is a better place for her having been here.
Julie Caven Skolnick says
Bill Alexander and family –
I am very sorry to learn that your wife passed away. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Your former student,
Julie Caven Skolnick
Fairfax, MN
Terry Arendts/Gaskill and Bob Gaskill says
We are so saddened to hear about LuAnn’s passing. We have fond memories from her high school days that we talked about this weekend at our class reunion. She was part of our “athletic possy” at NKHS and I, Terry, could spend hours telling many stories about things we did, accomplished and tried while in our high school days. Bob remembers her as a classmate that understood her wanting to hang out with the older classes as he did also. LuAnn was a friend that we enjoyed being with and making memories with all the same. Even though we haven’t seen you, Bil,l or LuAnn for many years, please know that you are in our prayers and we feel blessed to have our memories of times together.
Ron and Jane McMullen says
Dear Bill and family – we were saddened to learn of LuAnn’s death and extend our deepest sympathies to you at this difficult time. May your faith and the support of your family and the community help you through the days, weeks, and months to come.
Dave Distad says
Mr. Alexander-sincerest sympathies on the passing of your wife. It’s sad when a life end sooner than we think it should. Cherish her memory and be strong.
Dave Distad
Gray Alexander says
Miss you grandma