Aileen A. Withnell

Aileen A. Withnell was born on September 22, 1930 in Sioux City, Iowa the daughter of Magnus and Beth (Bullock) Abelson. She and her younger brother Gene grew up in Fargo, ND and graduated from Fargo Central High School in 1948. Upon graduation she attended NDSU in pursuit of a textile degree in clothing. During this time she met Robert Withnell, and they were married in November of 1950. Aileen and Robert made their home in Moorhead, MN where she enjoyed doing volunteer work. In the early 60’s they moved the San Diego, CA area where she lived most of her life. Four years ago Aileen moved to Minnesota, for health reasons, to be closer to her niece Sue Thelen. Aileen worked for Stuards clothing store and later on as a receptionist for the large insurance companies Signal, Johnson & Higgins, and Marsh. She enjoyed people and had an incredible memory for names and details. With her welcoming warm personality, she was a natural for these jobs. Simply put, Aileen loved Jesus and lived her Christian faith believing all the promises of the Bible. She will forever be remembered as a "prayer warrior" and a true evangelist. Aileen was a long time member of La Jolla Lutheran church where she was actively involved over the years in Sunday school, on evangelical committees, with prayer groups, Bible studies, and other activities the church offered. Aileen LOVED the church members and their “family connections" to each other. Aileen cherished the time she spent with her friends and family, giving them lots of hugs and holding them close in prayer. She enjoyed celebrating birthdays, sharing meals and fellowship together, walking, BSF ( Bible Study Fellowship), meeting with the " Covenant Church gals, reading scriptures, working for Billy Graham crusades, meeting with her high school potluck group ,and traveling. She especially looked forward to her "Minnesota visits" where she cherished spending time with her brother, Gene and his wife Barbara and their children’s families. Aileen A. Withnell went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at Knute Nelson in Alexandria, MN at the age of 85 years old. She is survived by her brother, Gene (Barbara) Abelson of Deerwood, MN; nieces, Sue (Rick) Thelen of Alexandria/St. Cloud, Sandy Dokken of Richfield, and Cynthia (Jim) Paulson of Eden Prairie; nephews, Scott (Susie) Abelson of Andover, Kurt (Marielena) Withnell of Bellevue, WA, Robert (Betty) Drevik Colburn, ID, and Wesley Drevick of LaJolla, CA; and sisters-in-law, Bettie Withnell of Eden Prairie and Susanne Drevick of Sandpoint, ID. She is preceded in death by her parents, Beth and Magnus, former spouse Robert Withnell: brother-in-law Ralph Withnell: nephews, Glen Dokken and Todd Withnell. Aileen's family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Knute Gables, Knute Care Center, and Hospice of Douglas County for the hugs, smiles, prayers, and loving care they provided. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers and can be written to La Jolla Lutheran Church or Aileen's family. (Sue Thelen 3216 Cooper Ave So. St. Cloud, MN 56301) A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 10AM at Knute Nelson Care Center (420 12th Ave. East) in Alexandria, MN. A Celebration of Life and graveside service will follow this winter in La Jolla, CA. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria, MN. www.andersonfuneral.net

Aileen A. Withnell

September 22, 1930 - November 3, 2015