Jessie "Alene" Wahlstrom Obituary (1931 - 2013)

Jessie "Alene" Wahlstrom, 81, of Buchanan, Michigan, beloved wife of Harold Wahlstrom, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, January 20th, 2013. Alene was born in Caraway, Arkansas on October 8th, 1931. The eldest of eight children, Alene was a nurturing soul from the start. She spent her childhood in the cotton fields of Caraway with her parents, Jesse and Bertha (Malone) Kelems, and siblings, Lillie, Bonnie, Juanita, Jess, Marcella, James Billy and Jimmy. In the summer of 1948, she met her soulmate, Harold Wahlstrom, and her life would never be the same. Harold and Alene were married in Lepanto, Arkansas on October 1st, 1949. The following year, they welcomed their first child, Barbara, and made the 600 mile move north to Buchanan, Michigan. Shortly thereafter, they were blessed with a second daughter, Teresa, and son, Scott. Alene was first and foremost a dedicated and loving mother. She also spent 39 years proudly building American Made microphones and speakers at Electro-Voice from where she retired in 1998. Harold and Alene were also founding members of the Niles-Buchanan General Baptist Church, which is now the Portage Road General Baptist Church. She loved her Lord and Savior and she was a Proud American Patriot. She was an amazing cook and many throughout the area knew that first hand. She always had "an extra potato in the pot" for those times when friends and family would stop by at dinner time. Her pies and cakes were legendary especially her summertime fresh strawberry pies that where enjoyed in those short few weeks of the Michigan strawberry season. Alene is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Harold Wahlstrom; siblings; Lillie Dixon of Hardy, AR, Jess (Charlene) Kelems of Buchanan, and Marcella Young of Springfield, MO; her ever-loving children Barbara (Gary) Herman of Buchanan, Teresa Hall of Lake Bluff, IL, and Scott (Stacy) Wahlstrom of Buchanan; her adoring grandchildren Jason Herman of Niles, Matthew (Angelina) Herman of Niles, Kelli (Paul) Taylor of Chicago, Katie Hall of Los Angeles, CA, Joshua Wahlstrom of Chicago, Jordan Wahlstrom of Buchanan, and Jacob Wahlstrom of Buchanan; her precious great-grandchildren Bethany, Taylor, Cassie, Hannah, and Harper; and many other loving family members. Alene was preceded in death by her parents, siblings James Billy Kelems, Bonnie Shortnacy, Juanita Weathers, and Jimmy Kelems. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to friends, loved ones, and the incredible staff of Hospice at Home. Sarah, Deb, Amanda, and Jonathan's dedication and effort to provide quality care over the past month has been a heartwarming blessing to all. The family has also been graced with the love and assistance of their dear Aunt Marcy, who helped care for Alene in her final days. Heartfelt Thanks to Shawna and the girls at Diesel Diner for showing such love and kindness to Harold and Alene on their many visits to the restaurant. Friends and family will be warmly welcomed at a visitation this Thursday evening, January 24th from 4:00-8:00 pm at Hoven Funeral Home, 414 E. Front St, Buchanan, Michigan, 49107. Funeral services will take place on Friday, January 25th at 1:00 pm at the Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Rd. Niles Michigan. Alene will be laid to rest at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Buchanan, Michigan. Memorial Contributions may be made in Alene's honor to: Hospice At Home, 4025 Health Park Lane-St. Joseph, MI 49085 or Portage Road General Baptist Church, 1765 Portage Road-Niles, MI 49120. Online condolences can be made at www.hovenfunerals.com. Arrangements have been lovingly entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Inc. Buchanan, Michigan