Alice Michmershuizen, 105, a longtime resident of Pella, Iowa, passed away at the Edgewood Convalescent Home in Edgewood, Iowa, on January 21, 2020. She was born October 15, 1914, at home, in rural Pella, to Frederick and Anna (DeKock) Van Zee. She received her education at several rural schools in the Pella area. Upon eighth grade graduation, she worked for several different families helping to care for their children, giving her meager earnings to her parents when she came home on weekends.
On February 6, 1942, Alice married John Michmershuizen in Lancaster, Missouri, where they were wed by a Justice of the Peace. Two weeks later her new husband entered the Army serving in WW II until his discharge in January, 1946. From this union two children were born, Frederic and Barbara. They made their home on Liberty Street in Pella.
Alice was later employed by Rolscreen, Pella Manufacturing, and again for Pella Windows. After retirement at age 65, Alice volunteered at the Pella Hospital and Nursing Home, repairing clothing for residents and the hospital for more than 20 years. Her love of flowers often saw her bringing bouquets to residents at both centers. In her spare time Alice became an avid birder, recognizing bird songs, nesting sites and their habits, making many trips to Red Rock Dam with her binoculars. Early mornings you would often find Alice walking a five-mile route around Pella for exercise even on the coldest or hottest days. One of her biggest regrets was that she was never able to attend high school, but to those who knew her best, she was wise in many other ways and was never one for idle time.
Alice is survived by her two children, Frederic (Bea) Mick of Pella and Barbara (Jim) Stone of Edgewood; her grandchildren, Toby (Darlene) Mick, Joe (Leisa) Michmershuizen, and Josh (Samantha) Mick all of Pella, Tracy (Dan) Steger of Independence, and Kelly (Brian) Larson of Eagan, Minnesota; her great-grandchildren, Marijka, Metji, Marielle, and Mariam Michmershuizen of Pella, Izabella and Tyson Mick of Pella, Nick Steger of Cedar Falls, and Stone, Kennedy, and Alexa Larson of Eagan, Minnesota; two step-granddaughters, Lori Van Veen of Pella and Alyssa Iyers of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Alice’s youngest sister, Leona Wing, resides in Mitchellville.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, John on July 20, 1967; as well as five sisters, Jennie (Bill) De Jong, Anna (Walter) Steenhoek, Julia Van Zee, Henrietta (Paul) McConeghey, and Freda (Don) Cummings; her brother, John (Bernice) Van Zee; and brother-in-law, Gale Wing; along with several nieces and nephews.
Her family, who was everything to her, her church, and her many friends will cherish her memory forever.
The family would like to thank Dr. Christiansen and the caring staff at the Edgewood Convalescent Home for the wonderful care they provided.
Van Dyke-Duven Funeral Home, 615 W. First Street, Pella, Iowa, is assisting the family.
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