Mabel M. Uhde

Mabel M. Uhde, age 104, of Alexandria, died on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Alex Assisted Living.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria with Rev. Matthew Lorenz officiating. Interment will be held at Geneva Cemetery, Alexandria.

Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mabel Ketter was born on February 9, 1921, to Gust and Ena Ketter in Leaf Valley. She arrived prematurely in the middle of winter, weighing less than two pounds. At first, her family thought she had not survived, but to their joy, she let out a small cry, beginning a remarkable life. The Ketter family had immigrated from Germany in 1885, and Mabel was raised with her four siblings, Annie, Gladys, Dorothy, and George, in Parkers Prairie. She was baptized and confirmed by Pastor August Sieving at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Parkers Prairie. After completing her junior year, she left school to help in her father’s butcher shop, where she worked until she married. On June 12, 1948, Mabel married Harry Uhde, and together they made their home in Alexandria, where Harry worked as a mechanic. Though they had no children of their own, she was known throughout the community as a nurturing, non-traditional mother figure to many and to their Siamese cat, Sammy, who Mabel considered her “baby”. Mabel gave freely of her time and talents. She volunteered at Washington School, assisting in the cafeteria, clipping food labels for school fundraisers, and supporting students and staff wherever she was needed. She was also an active member at Zion Lutheran Church and helped with funeral lunch committee. After Harry’s passing, Mabel moved to Winona Shores and later to Alexandria Assisted Living, where she quickly made friends and stayed active. She enjoyed playing games like bingo, always loved her chocolate, and remained engaged in her faith through regular services with visiting pastors. A lifelong Minnesota Twins fan, she never missed a game on the radio, and on her 100th birthday she was honored with special memorabilia and a jacket sent from the team. Mabel will be remembered as “full of life, full of fun.” Her warmth, kindness, and spirited presence left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harry Uhde; siblings, Annie (Gib) Antonsen; Gladys (Eber) Berquist, Dorothy (Everett) Nygren, and George Ketter; sister-in-law, Dorothy Ketter; and niece, Kay Nelson.

Mabel is survived by sister-in-law, Virginia Ketter; nieces and nephews, Jon (Gayle) Nygren, Jan Nygren, Terri (Charles) Desa, Todd (Jan) Ketter, and Dawn (Bob) Clinton; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Pallbearers are Jon and Gayle Nygren, Jan Nygren, David Nygren, Teresa and Rick Dusterhoft.