Alice Kotaska

Almeda Alice Kotaska “Alice”, 103 died on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the Baptist Health Care Center in Bismarck ND.

Almeda “Alice” Kotaska, 103, passed peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at the Baptist Health Care Center in Bismarck, ND.

Alice, daughter of William and Pauline (Krumpos) Nowek, was born on July 26, 1918, at her father’s homestead in St. Joseph, MT.  At a young age, the family moved to Conway, ND, and Alice graduated from the 8^th grade at Conway Public School.  During World War II, Alice worked at various jobs in the state of Washington. 

Alice returned to Conway and was united in marriage to Elmer Kotaska on October 23, 1945, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church.  They established their home in Conway and later moved to Ryder for 2 years, and then moved to Mylo.  While living in Mylo, Alice worked as a nurse’s aide at the Rolette Hospital.  Elmer passed away March 24, 1972. 

After Elmer’s death, Alice moved to Devils Lake and completed her GED and graduated from a Practical Nurses Program in January of 1974.  She worked as an LPN at Mercy Hospital and served on the ND State Board of Nursing.  She semi-retired in January 1985 and assisted with home health care until completely retiring in the 1990’s.  In 2008, Alice moved to Bismarck to be closer to family. 

Alice’s Catholic faith was very important to her and wherever she lived she was active in the church. While living in Devils Lake she was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, sang in the Choir, served with St. Elizabeth’s Circle of the Altar Society, and was a member of the Legion of Mary and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.  While living in Bismarck she played organ at the Marillac Manor Chapel and volunteered at St. Alexius Hospital. 

Alice was the recipient of several special awards, including Who’s Who in America in 1984 and St. Alexius Hospital for being the oldest volunteer at 91. 

In her spare time, Alice enjoyed reading, doing crafts, playing the organ, listening to music, coloring, writing letters and poems, and watching or listening to a Minnesota Twins game.           

Alice is survived by the family she treasured so dearly - her daughters Dee Kotaska of Mora, MN, and Darlene (Duane) Ziegler, Bismarck; granddaughter Ashley Ziegler, Grand Rapids MI; brother Ben (Wilma) Nowek, Larimore ND; sisters-in-law Donna (John) Kotaska, Fargo ND; and Gladys (Joe) Stroble, Spanaway WA; godchildren John Howe and Iris Collies; special nieces Alma Johnson and Janice Smith; and close friends Betty Mahoney and Lori Charbonneau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather Henry Stroble, husband Elmer, son-in-law Rex Lindberg, brother and sisters Joseph Stroble, Evelyn Fredrickson, Betty  Hammond, and Edith Nowek.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, September 3, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with the Very Reverend C.F. Wilhelm celebrating the Mass.  Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday, September 2nd from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.  The Catholic Daughters will lead the Rosary and Reverend Mr. Ken Severinson, Deacon will lead the Scripture Service.  Graveside Services will be held on Friday, September 3^rd at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Catholic Cemetery, rural Conway ND.