Alice Margaret (Blackburn) Schmele was born on November 1, 1936, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Charles Carl and Ethel Marie Blackburn. She married Paul William (Bill) Schmele on June 8, 1961, in Spearfish, South Dakota.

Alice passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, at the age of 89.

Growing up on a farm in Iowa with her parents and three siblings, Alice learned the value of hard work through daily chores like milking cows and developed a profound and unwavering love for God and His Word. After graduating from high school, Alice attended Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky, where she earned her BA in Secondary Education and Bible Theology. After teaching for a few years, Alice arrived in Newell, driving a red convertible, where she taught Home Economics and Speech and met her future husband, Bill. Following their marriage, four adorable daughters joined their family within just four years, filling their home with love and laughter. Four years later, their Christmas Eve brought a special gift — the arrival of their baby boy, Jimmy. And the cherry on top of their growing family was the arrival of baby Donna Marie, completing their home in the sweetest way. During these years, Alice poured out her love daily — nurturing her family at home and serving faithfully in her church.

Later in life, Alice received an Elementary Education BA from Trinity Bible College. Her favorite grade was 5th, and she also served as the principal of Christian Life Elementary. Alice spent hours preparing classrooms, often side by side with her daughter Donna. Known for her creativity and love of storytelling, Alice often brought Bible stories into her lessons, captivating her students and leaving a lasting impression on countless children across the Midwest.

Her dedication extended beyond academics. She delighted in bringing joy to others, especially her grandchildren, through food, but her favorite: desserts. She loved baking and delivering homemade treats, a passion she passed on to her daughters. Christmas was especially dear to her, and she loved giving gifts.

Alice also loved travel and adventure, particularly trips with her sisters to Prince Edward Island. Frankenmuth, Mackinac Island, Greenfield Village, and the Black Hills were among her favorite destinations.

She is survived by her children: Nadine (Dwight) Sandoz of St. Paul, Nebraska; Carol (Klemen) Vidic of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Mary (Nathan) Johnson of Grand Forks, North Dakota; Joanne (Brian) Wise of Orange City, Iowa; and Donna Phillips of Grand Forks, North Dakota; sister, Nancy (Blackburn) Johnson; grandchildren: Joshua (Patricia) Sandoz, Bethanie (Luke) Storer, Daniel (Amy) Sandoz, Joel (Shauna) Sandoz, Samuel (Kiahley) Sandoz, Nathan (Ashley) Sandoz, and Charitie Sandoz; David Vidic and Samuel Vidic; Steven Johnson, Daniel (Rebekah) Johnson, and Benjamin (Brooke) Johnson; Rebecca (James) Montoya; Gabriel Delzer, Jacob (Kiley) Delzer, and Jeremiah (Reegan) Delzer; and Caleb Phillips, Carter Phillips, and Axel Phillips. She is further survived by 35 great-grandchildren, with one additional great-grandchild joyfully anticipated and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, James (Jimmy) Paul Schmele, in 1983; sister, Ruth “Foat” Blackburn; brother, Harry Blackburn; and great-grandchildren, Bridger Johnson and Lillian Sandoz.

Alice’s warmth, generosity, and storytelling touched everyone who knew her. Her passion for teaching, her joy in baking and giving, and her dedication to family and love for God leave a legacy that will be remembered and cherished for generations.

The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Dakota Life Christian Center in Newell, South Dakota, with burial following at Hope Cemetery.