Alice Elaine Ristrom

Alice Elaine Ristrom, age 94, of Bloomington, MN, passed away peacefully with family by her side December 26, 2018 in Tucson, AZ. Survived by daughters Janet Ristrom Polson and Laura Ristrom Goodman, son-in-law Thomas Goodman, grandchildren Matthew and Elisabeth, sister-in-law Doris Martinson, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by husband Reynold, daughter Laurel Ann, parents Martin and Mamie Ingeborg (Jacobson) Martinson, parents-in- law Reynold R and Jennie (Norrbom) Ristrom, brothers Harold and Richard Martinson, and sisters and brothers-in-law Margaret and Jake Snyder and Evelyn and Roland Ramey. A lifelong Christian, Elaine joined her beloved husband of 72 years, Reynold, in heaven, a few hours before his birthday. Elaine loved the Lord, her family, her friends and her cats and she was loved by them in return. As a young mother, she would sing and dance with her daughters, and would rarely be found without a cat nearby. From her beloved brother Harold's gift of Josie, generations of cats were born in their home. They took in outdoor cats adopted by their daughters, flying them from CA and NC to take indoor positions in MN. Elaine and Reynold loved to travel. While they visited countries in Europe and the South Pacific, their favorite trips involved visiting family and friends across the US. Elaine was a loving and cheerful person who made friends easily throughout her life keeping contact over great distance and passage of time. Once her friend, she did not forget you. She was the last of her generation in the larger Martinson family of cousins, and the last of the friends from the old Hale neighborhood. She mourned the passing of many friends and family before her, but enjoyed her phone contact with her special friends from Bloomington and her communications and visits of her nieces. She especially missed Reynold in the months since his death in April. They always had so much fun together. After graduating from Washburn High School, during WWII Elaine left her study of home economics at the U of MN to work in clerical positions and volunteered with the Red Cross and the USO. She was very proud that her brothers and future husband were officers in the various branches of service. Elaine continued her life of service and stepped up when needed, whether it was to lead a Girl Scout troop, teach Sunday School or prepare a meal for another family. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church for over 57 years and of Eastern Star for over 60 years. Elaine returned to work outside the home when her children were old enough to start dinner, and was pleased to work at Wilson McShane administering union funds until she retired at age 66. Elaine loved to sew and created lovely garments for her children, grandchildren and herself. She made beautiful doll clothes and could mend anything. In her later years she worked on many quilts which were donated to families in MN. Summers found Elaine working in her gardens. She was especially fond of her perennial hibiscus, lilies of the valley and prize iris, which survive her, transplanted to the gardens of family and friends. Elaine was happy in their Bloomington home of 62 years, but when the time came for the couple to relocate to Tucson, she did so with grace. She bloomed where she was planted and never complained about the changes that age made necessary. The family wishes to thank family members and MN friends who enriched their lives and the loving care provided by Dr. Marc Salita and staff at Allina. Thanks also to the loving and caring Tucson medical professionals and support staff of the Forum and Tucson Medical Center.