Alice Etzler,100, of St. Joseph, MO peacefully passed into her heavenly home on July 26th, 2024 at Vintage Gardens in St. Joseph, MO. With her son, Larry, and her daughter-in-law, Karen, by her side.

She was 100 years and 7 months to the day, lived a long life, and was loved by many who will miss her smiles and hugs.

Alice was born on December 26, 1923 near Cushing, MN. She was the fourth child born to William and Martha Zierman at their farm home in rural central Minnesota. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Raymond Etzler, and grand son, Jerry Etzler (Larry and Karen's son).

Eight of her ten siblings also preceded her: Frank Zierman, Oscar Zierman, Art Zierman, Florence Scholten, Leonard Zierman, Wilma Korkowski, Jane Dalton, and Irene Schrupp. Surviving siblings are brothers: Vernon (Norma) Zierman and Walter (Suzanne) Zierman.

Alice was married to Raymond Jack Etzler on January 30, 1947 in Minneapolis, MN. Their 3 children are: Patricia Duncan, Larry (Karen) Etzler, and Jim (Beverly) Etzler.

Six surviving grandchildren: Jenny (David) Miller, Michael (Jenna) Etzler, Ryan Etzler, and Bryan (Emma) Etzler. Laura (Adam) Roberts, and Sarah Etzler.

Eleven great grandchildren: Gavin Miller, Ethan Miller, Asa Roberts, Fierra Roberts, Israel Roberts, and Micah Roberts. Jerry's family: Brittany Etzler, Eliza Etzler, Kevin (Alexis) Blanchard, Kolton Blanchard, and Kaylin Merrick.

Growing up as a farm girl, Alice loved being outdoors with her family. She learned a solid work ethic and good values. After graduation from Little Falls High School, she moved to Minneapolis where she worked as a nanny for two small boys. The lady was reluctant to hire Alice, until she found out that she came from a family of eleven and was used to caring for young children.

One of the favorite times in Alice's life was when she and her friend, Lydia, took the train and moved to California. They lived with her widowed uncle (Elmer), and worked for the Lockheed Aircraft Company on the B-17 Flying Fortress aircraft as "Rosie, the Riverters." They worked together as a team on the same shift, Lydia on the outside of the wing and Alice on the inside. They enjoyed going to the beach and Spanish missions, as well as shopping and taking the streetcar into Hollywood.

With World War II ending, Alice and Lydia took the train back to Minnesota, after spending two happy years in California. When Ray returned from the Army, he and Alice were married in Minneapolis on January 30, 1947. They found out that their mothers had gone to school together at the small rural school house.

They made their home a few miles north of Cushing, which is where they raised their three children. Ray built a garage and also worked construction jobs operating a backhoe. Alice kept busy raising the children, growing two big gardens and canning fruits and vegetables for the family. She enjoyed sewing and made bridesmaid dresses and a few bridal gowns for some of the local young women. She attended the Ladies Aid Club, and the activities at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cushing. In her spare time she loved working with and growing many colorful flowers.

In 1977 they sold their home in Minnesota and moved to the lovely Flathead Valley of northwestern Montana. They built a home in Bigfork, then later built a home two miles west of Kalispell. Both Alice and Ray enjoyed the beautiful view of the valley and mountains, especially on days when they got to see the snow-capped peaks of Glacier National Park.

Since they lived close to Jim and Bev, they enjoyed taking part in their lives as they were raising their daughters. And then looked forward to spending time with the grandchildren.

They appreciated their wonderful Montana neighbors and always liked to have visitors, including many from out of state. Alice was always ready to have a good game of cards as a break from making some great home-cooked meals.

When Alice was 80 years old, she welcomed the task of caring for her infant great grandson, Asa, during the day, so his mom, Laura, could work. As he grew, he enjoyed having matching aprons with his gram and loved to help cook and bake. They made some great memories together and loved those special times.

Alice and Ray were able to enjoy traveling to several states to visit family and friends. Alice loved being able to spend 5 weeks in Guam when twin grandsons, Ryan and Bryan, were born on her anniversary, giving her a wonderful tropical reprieve from the cold Montana winter.

After Alice became a widow in November of 2010, she continued to live in her home. She kept busy with her flowers, cooking and baking, and writing cards and letters to family and friends. She quit driving when she was 97.

When she was 98, she had a slight stroke which ended her independence and affected her speech, and mobility to some degree, as well as the ability to write cards and letters. But she always loved all the cards and letters she received from people.

In August of 2022, Larry and Karen brought Alice to Missouri, where she enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know her grand and great-grandchildren better. She had been living at Vintage Gardens in St. Joseph, Missouri, since October 2022.

Alice looked forward to the weekly visit of her grand daughter, Jenny, who faithfully provided not only a manicure, but also an enjoyable time of looking through all of the many beautiful cards received from family and friends, sharing pictures and memories, and, of course, lots of hugs and laughter!

Special thanks to each person who had a part in Alice's life and in her care at Vintage Gardens and Mosaic Life Care (Hospice), St. Joseph, Missouri. Alice knew she was in a safe place and that she was loved. She always enjoyed giving out lots of hugs and "I love yous" -- and receiving them, as well.

Thank You to all who have offered kind words and prayers, as well as emotional support and encouragement. It is very much appreciated by her family.

We release Alice to the care of her loving savior and lord, Jesus Christ, and take comfort in knowing that we shall see her again.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alice's memory can be made to her church, where she fellowshipped and made friends during her time in Missouri and enjoyed visiting with Pastor Don Howard. Amazonia United Methodist Church, 509 Spring Street, Amazonia, MO 64421

A Celebration of Life will be held for Alice Etzler on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10 am at Breit-Hawkins Funeral Home, 1010 S US Hwy 71, Savannah, MO 64485       (816) 324-3166

There will be a luncheon immediately following at the nearby Laverna Heights, 104 East Park Avenue, Savannah, MO 64485