Alice LaVonne Watrin, 75, of Sandstone, MN, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished, after a courageous battle with MS.

Alice was born on August 8, 1950, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Alvin and Dellarie Hatleli. She spent her early years in Fond du Lac and later Esko before the family settled on a farm in Askov. She graduated from Askov High School in 1968, where she was known for her warm spirit, her kindness, and her ability to make friends wherever she went. She was honored by her classmates as Homecoming Queen.

Alice married David Watrin on April 25, 1970, in Sandstone, Minnesota. They welcomed their first child, Peter, in 1973.  Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Leanne in 1975 and was completed with the birth of their daughter, Lisa in 1981. Together they built their dream home in 1980 and raised their family in Sandstone, creating a life centered on family, commitment and the place they loved.  Alice and David loved to travel together.  They enjoyed family trips in their RV and were fortunate to travel around the U.S. Later she was blessed with the arrival of her cherished grandchildren: Brielle, Avery, Wesley, Carly and Logan.  Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and they affectionally referred to her as Grammy.

Alice was a dedicated and versatile worker throughout her life. She was a licensed cosmetologist, a travel agent, a beverage server at the local casino, and a compassionate employee at PHASE Industries, where she supported individuals with intellectual disabilities. Of all her roles, she was most proud to be a stay‑at‑home mother to her three children. Later, she cherished the opportunity to provide childcare for her granddaughter, Brielle, during the first two years of her life.

Alice found joy in so many parts of life. She loved painting, crafting, traveling, flower gardening, camping, and fishing. She had a keen eye for decorating and delighted in making spaces beautiful, especially during the holidays. Alice was a skilled cook, learning much of what she knew from her mother-in-law, Mary Watrin.  The holidays held a special place in Alice's heart; Christmas was her favorite. She loved preparing delicious family recipes, setting a beautiful table with her cherished china, and filling her home with festive decorations. In retirement, she treasured spending winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona with David, her sister Linda and good friends. She enjoyed playing games with family and friends, evenings around bonfires, riding in the side‑by‑side UTV with David, and taking in the beauty of autumn leaves. She looked forward to her annual sister-in-law trips and enjoyed adventures with her sister, Linda. Alice held her children and grandchildren close to her heart and was deeply connected to each of them offering as much of her presence and time as she could. Artistic and creative, she found pleasure in simple things like a beautiful sunset, fresh fallen snow, a vibrant flower in her garden, or a hummingbird at her feeder. She had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to laugh, and cherished the company of friends and family. Her faith was a steady, guiding part of her life, lived quietly but with deep conviction. She had a remarkable ability to see the best in everything and carried a bright, hopeful outlook throughout her life.

Alice is survived by her husband, David Watrin of Sandstone, MN; her children, Peter Watrin (Kim Fields) of Askov, MN, Leanne (Tim) McCann of Lakeville, MN, and Lisa (Scott) Nolan of St. Joseph, MN; her grandchildren, Brielle Walter, Avery Walter, Wesley Watrin, Carly Watrin, and Logan Nolan; sister, Linda Andrews; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jan Watrin, Marita Haberman, Steve & Kathy Watrin, and Joe & Kathy Watrin.  She is also survived by honorary family member, Arika Loew Faber and her lifelong friend, Dianne Schaeffer along with many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.  Alice is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Dellarie Hatleli; brother, Duane Hatleli, brothers and sisters-in-law, Clifford Watrin, Richard Watrin, Elaine & Fred Kuhlman, George & Marie Watrin, and George Haberman.

Even as MS progressed in her later years, Alice never lost her spirit or her determination to embrace each day as fully as she could. Of everything Alice cherished, nothing meant more to her than her children and grandchildren, who brought her deep joy throughout her life. Alice will be remembered for her big spirit, warm heart, infectious laugh and radiant smile. She was truly a friend to all.

Alice's family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Sandstone Healthcare Center, St. Croix Hospice, and Ecumen Hospice for the care and kindness shown to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Alice at 11am on Monday, May 4, 2026 at St. Luke's Catholic Church in Sandstone, MN. Visitation will take place at the church one hour prior to the service and Sunday, May 3, 2026 from 3pm to 6pm at the Methven Funeral Home chapel in Sandstone, MN. Burial will follow the service at Spring Park Cemetery.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.