Remembering Aldene Avery

Aldene Delores Avery, retired food service worker, of East Grand Forks, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2019. She was 95.

Aldene was born July 25, 1923 in Gonvick, Minn., the second of three children to Joseph Alvin Lenes and Otelia Quern Lenes.

After graduating from Gonvick High School, she moved with friends to Bremerton, Wash., to work in the Boeing plant during WWII, where she was one of the original “Rosie the Riveters.” It was here that she met Charles (Rex) Avery, who was serving in the Navy. They married December 20, 1945.

They lived in Washington and California before settling permanently in East Grand Forks, MN in 1950, where they raised their 3 children. Rex worked as a painter for UND. After her children left home, Aldene worked at UND in Smith Hall where she was affectionately known as “Mom.” She was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her daughter Darlene Hettwer of Grand Forks; a son Dean (Lori) Avery of Tyner, NC; 11 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Rex, brother Ray, sister Lorraine, son Robert and his wife LaVonne, son-in-law Michael Hettwer, and great-granddaughter Paige Dyan Avery.

Funeral Service: 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 1515 5th Ave. NW, East Grand Forks

Visitation: 1 hour prior to service at the church

Interment: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND

Memorials: Our Saviors Lutheran Church or The Good Samaritan Village 2230 River Rd. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721.

Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com

Arrangements By: Dahl Funeral Home ~ East Grand Forks, Minnesota