Alma I. Nagel-Pulst

Alma Irene Pulst, 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep Monday, November 1, 2021, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks ND. Alma was born June 3, 1929 on a farm in Benson County, ND to John and Magdalena (Heisler) Voeller. She attended school in Fillmore ND and was a baptized & confirmed member of the St Bonifice Catholic Church in Esmond ND.

She was one of 6 children. Her brothers Joe, Ed, Leo and sisters Jenny and Arlene all preceded her in death.

In September of 1947, Alma was united in marriage to Ben Nagel in Esmond ND. After marriage they lived in Richland, WA as well as Flint, MI until they moved to Devils Lake in 1952 where they made their home and raised their 7 children: Shirleen Pederson (Grand Forks), Bernadine (Eugene) Finamore (Manning Oregon), Lee Nagel (Devils Lake), Penny (Richard) Abar (Grand Forks), Curtis Nagel (Grand Forks), Connie Nagel (Devils Lake) and Lisa Cooper (Devils Lake).

After Ben's early passing in 1972 she was left to raise 5 young children on her own. She was a lady of great mental and physical endurance. Alma worked at the Lake Region Clinic in housekeeping for 10 years. Later she met and married Harold Pulst where they continued to make their home in Devils Lake. Alma then worked for Leever’s Grocery for 17 years, retiring in 1992. Alma and Harold shared their lives together until Harold's passing in 1992. Alma remained in Devils Lake until her move to Grand Forks in 2019.

As a young girl, Alma worked for a few farmers around the Esmond and Fillmore area where she got her love of gardening. When she owned her own home she loved doing yard work and working with her many beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed reading and doing embroidery. One of Alma’s greatest joys was cooking and baking for her family. This time of year, especially, she always made her famous blotchenda (pumpkin turnovers) – sometimes well over 200 and shared with her neighbors as well as all 7 of her kids.

Alma was not only blessed with her 7 children but also has 6 grandchildren: Melissa Pederson, Melinda Anderson, Hayley Cooper, Justin Nagel, Taylor Nagel and Kaylin Nagel. She also has 8 great grandchildren: Grant, Nora, Aiden, Nixin, Elijah, Rowan, Noah and Jade.

Also preceding Alma in death was her first born grandchild, Melissa Pederson, her third born son Lee Nagel and sixth born daughter Connie Nagel. 

Services will be held at the Gilbertson’s Funeral Home in Devils Lake on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 12:30 pm.