Albina Agerstrand

For Albina Agerstrand, family was always the greatest joy. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a doting grandma. She was a cheerful woman with a familiar smile, and each day she tried to share her happiness with the many people she loved. In the year 1917, Europe was swept up in the chaos of the First World War. Following the sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-Boat, President Woodrow Wilson led his country into the war. Amid this climate of uncertainty, Karol Jastrzembski and his wife Rose Morgulec maintained their optimistic spirits by focusing on a different future, the future of their family. They were expecting a child, and on December 16, 1917 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their daughter Albina. The third of eight children, Albina grew up in Muskegon, Michigan with the company of her older sibling, Pauline, and her younger siblings, Petronella, Tony, Stanley, Vitalis, and Bernard; her elder sister Anna died as an infant. The Jastrzembski family lived on Henry Street. While Rose kept the house and raised the children, Karol, a Polish immigrant, provided for his family through his job at a foundry. Al, as she came to be known, attended St. Marys Catholic School and graduated from St. Marys High School. Her mother was ill, and when Al wasnt in school, she helped raise her younger siblings. By the time she turned eighteen, both her parents had died. Relatives helped keep the family together, and Al worked for Anton's Bakery, making $6 a week to make ends meet. At a Thanksgiving dinner Al met a handsome young man named Fred Agerstrand, who had recently emigrated from Sweden to Muskegon, Michigan. He and his brother were cofounders of Agerstrand Corporation which began in 1937 and was located on Commerce Street. They were known for the manufacture of special machine parts which were in high demand for the support of the defensive needs of the United States during WWII. Although Al was with another date, and although Fred did not speak much English, they enjoyed each others company during this Thanksgiving dinner and planned to see each other again soon. After dating for a short time, they were married on May 10, 1941. The newlyweds settled into the Glenside neighborhood of Muskegon. Al quickly made friends with the neighbors, and she enjoyed coffee clutches" with the ladies. She and Fred started their family with the blessing of two children: Charles was born in 1942, followed by Gerald in 1943. Several years later, in 1952, they welcomed their youngest Karen into the family. Al was a natural mother. She deeply treasured her children, and she was the happiest in their company. Shortly after Karen was born, Fred sold the business and the family relocated to Illinois. Five years later, they returned to Muskegon and eventually settled in Norton Shores. The family attended Samuel Lutheran Church, where all the children were confirmed; Al also participated in several of the womens groups. The family enjoyed many special vacations to places such as the New York Worlds Fair and Gettysburg. They also loved camping and boating. For years they owned a beautiful wooden Chris Craft, which was later replaced by a ski boat. Al and Fred loved to take the kids water-skiing on Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan. These vacations provided the setting for many of Als favorite memories. The Swedish culture was an important part of the Agerstrand household. Al embraced her husbands heritage, and she quickly learned how to make wonderful Swedish dinners. She also loved to bake: she made many kinds of Swedish breads and desserts, such as spritz cookies and chocolate cake rolls. These treats always found their way into bake sales for the childrens school. Al first visited Sweden with Fred and the two boys, years before Karen was born. They traveled by ship across the North Atlantic in the month of December 1948. She visited again with Fred, years later. Most recently, she and Karen flew to Sweden together. All these trips, especially the first one, are carefully recorded in Als diary. Throughout her life she kept a diary. Her written memories, spanning her long lifetime, are a very special treasure for her family. After the kids grew up and formed families of their own, Al and Fred discovered more time to spend together. They were members of the VASA Lodge, and they liked to go dancing to the big band music of the 1930s. In her later years, Al was thrilled to see her family grow with the blessing of several grandchildren. She and Fred visited as frequently as possible. In 1986 they moved to Englewood, Florida for Fred's health, which had not been good. Later that year, Fred passed away. Al stayed on in Englewood. She became an active member at Christ Lutheran Church, and she developed a strong network of friends at church and in the neighborhood. This was especially important because Al did not drive. She enjoyed Florida, though her body was slowing down. In 1998, after twelve years in Florida, she moved to Colorado to be with her daughter Karen. She was diagnosed with cancer and fought it bravely. In May of 2007, she moved into an assisted living unit. Al was the happiest with her husband, children, and grandkids, and in their warm company a familiar smile always brimmed over her lips. She will always be remembered for her love of laughter, birds, flowers, and for keeping her kitchen filled with the aroma of freshly baked goods. But mostly, Albina will be remembered for her kind, loving heart and noble spirit. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, her friendship, smiles, and laughter will be missed, as will her hugs and loving words. In the words of her family, Jag alskar dig. Albina died on Christmas Day, December 25, 2007 in Littleton, CO. Her husband preceded her in death in 1986, as well as her parents, grandson Gerald Paul, and 4 siblings. Albina leaves behind son Charles and his wife Bonnie, of Owosso, Michigan, son Gerald and his wife Susan, of Melbourne, Florida, daughter Karen Santora and her husband Mickey Kempf, of Littleton, Colorado, 4 grandchildren - Tammy, Theresa, Cara and Lorin, four great-grandchildren, brothers Stanley and Vitalus Jastrzembski, and many extended family here and in Sweden. The service for Albina will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2008, 1:00 PM at Clock Chapel with Pastor Phil Nordstrand officiating. Interment in Lakeside Cemetery. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: American Cancer Society. Please visit Als personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.