Obituary of Alice Else

Alice Alvina (Nonneman) Else, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Benz) Nonneman, was born on December 1, 1919 at Melvin, Iowa. She spent her childhood years in Melvin, and graduated from Melvin High School. Alice was proud to have been captain of her basketball team during her senior year. She went on to attend Iowa State College for one year, and then transferred to the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa. Later, she attended Drake University, where she earned degrees in English and Business Education. She taught school in Runnels, Iowa for one year, and at Lincoln High School in Des Moines until her retirement. Alice married Weldon Else on July 26, 1941. The couple made their home in Des Moines, Iowa, where they owned and operated a grocery store. Alice managed the store while Weldon was serving in the Navy during WWII. By the time he returned from his tour of duty, Alice had managed to pay off the mortgage on their house. They lived in that same house for their entire married life—at one time even moving the house to another location. Their daughter Kayla Alice was born in 1951. Alice especially enjoyed social clubs. She had been an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines, the Retired Teachers’ Assoc., AARP, American Assoc. of University Women, Questers’ Antique Group, and Bridge Club. She and Weldon traveled all over the world. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed the arts, writing and drawing. She took great pride and joy in listening to Kayla play the piano and organ. In 2001, Alice suffered a serious stroke. Wanting to be near her sister, Frieda Steinmetz of Melvin, she found Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, and moved there in 2003. She passed away there on May 12, 2008, at the age of 88. Survivors include her daughter, Dr. Kayla Else of Plymouth, MN; a brother-in-law, Hiram Long; three nieces: Kathleen Haberer, Mary Boyd, and Barbara Ryan; two nephews, Bob Nonneman and Phil Mathers; and her precious canine friend, Happy. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Weldon; two sisters Frieda Steinmetz and Ida Mathers; and two brothers Clarence and Raymond Nonneman. In loving memory of Alice A. Else Born ~ December 1, 1919 Died ~ May 12, 2008 Age ~ 88 years 5 month 11 days Funeral Service 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 17, 2008 Sanborn Funeral Chapel Sanborn, Iowa Officiating ~ Rev. Jane Johnston Organist ~ Kris Van Meeteren Congregational Singing “Children of the Heavenly Father” “How Great Thou Art” “Blessed Assurance” “Abide with Me” Interment Baker Township Cemetery ~ Melvin, IA