Alice Krause

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Alice Krause made a significant impact in the hearts and lives of so many around her. She possessed a personal faith that guided her steps throughout her life, and it was this same faith that put joy in her heart. As mothers go, Alice was simply the best as her devotion to her girls was unmatched. She was never one to worry about building wealth according to the world’s measure as she was a firm believer in the notion that it is through the relationships we share with our friends and family that we are richly blessed. Although Alice will be deeply missed, her loved ones find comfort in knowing they will be reunited again one day on the streets of gold.

As the twenties dawned in America, life was full of promise once again. The end of WWI in 1919 left us recognized as a world leader and with industry’s focus taken off supporting the war effort, the advancements in both the business and industrial sectors were numerous. Amidst this time of discovery an active family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome a healthy baby girl into their lives on November 1, 1920. Alice Edith was the fifth of eight children born to her parents, John and Nellie (VerBurg) Bush, and was raised in the family home on the northeast side of Grand Rapids alongside her six sisters and one brother.

In many ways Alice experienced an upbringing that was reflective of the times. The children of this generation were rather creative and had a keen appreciation for the simple things in life. It was amazing what a nickel could buy in those days, and Alice always looked forward to getting an orange in her Christmas stocking. Always resourceful, she made a bed for her doll out of oatmeal boxes. Although there were so many girls in the family, there were always more than enough chores to go around, which often meant sweeping for Alice.

Together the Bush family were members of Fourth Reformed Church, and this would be Alice’s church home throughout her entire life. Sundays found the Bush family attending church together, and Alice often walked to church on Wednesday as well. As a student, she attended local schools including Creston High School.

When she was a young woman, Alice found work at Plainfield Department Store along with many of her sisters. The money she earned helped support the family during the trying days of the Great Depression. Through the years, Alice worked at several other department and clothing stores including Herpolsheimer’s, Wurzburg’s, and Beverly’s. She loved her work and was very attentive to her customers, which was something they appreciated as they asked for her by name.

New and exciting changes were in store for Alice when she caught the attention of a young man while shopping at Waalkes Meat Market. He was a clerk named Frank Krause, and he eventually mustered up enough courage to ask Alice out. After dating for a time, the couple was married on March 1, 1940. They moved to the west side of Grand Rapids where they started their family that grew to include two daughters, Pam and Jill. After a few more moves the family eventually ended up in a house on Belknap Avenue where they lived for over 50 years.

As a mother, Alice was second to none. She was very involved with her children as a room mother, head of Campfire Girls, and regularly taking them camping. The family also vacationed at Hardy Dam along with several of her sisters, and for many years they rented a cottage on Pickerel Lake. Everything that came out of Alice’s kitchen was fantastic, and rare was the occasion that someone came to her home and left without eating or drinking something.

Although they were fully devoted to their girls, Alice and Frank enjoyed a vibrant social life. When their girls were younger Saturday nights often found Alice and Frank out for the evening with friends. Their calendar was always filled with social events they rarely missed.

There were so many things that enriched Alice’s life through the years, but the things she enjoyed were so much better because they involved the people she loved. She looked forward to getting together with a group of loyal high school friends that reunited every month and called themselves “club.” For decades they enjoyed a potluck dinner together filled with plenty of laughter and good times. Alice began playing bridge and became a member of several bridge clubs right up until her death. During the last month of her life she was still taking the bus to the north end of town to get together with her bridge friends. Alice and Frank always enjoyed traveling. When their children were younger they took them to Disneyland for a memorable vacation. Once their children were grown the couple traveled much more extensively including all throughout the United States and Canada. They also spent several winters in Florida where their social calendar was very full. Alice was thrilled to become a grandmother and enjoyed watching her grandchildren often.

The list of things to love about Alice was extensive. She was bubbly and outgoing, which allowed her to make friends with ease. Alice was positive and upbeat no matter what the circumstances were around her, and she had an unwavering faith throughout her life. If she had something negative to say she even found a way to soften her words a bit by prefacing the negative comment with, “In all loving kindness.”

Although Frank died several years ago, Alice followed through with their plans to move to Breton Woods where she had plenty of social opportunities to keep her busy.

Through her kind heart and tender touch, Alice Krause impacted the lives of so many within her reach. She always had a smile on her face and was content in all things. Alice leaves behind priceless memories that will never be forgotten.

Mrs. Alice E. Krause, age 91 of Grand Rapids, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on April 11, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank. Alice is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law Pam and Steve Beuker, Jill and Gary Groenendyk; grandchildren Adam and Sarah Beuker, K.C. and Valerie Beuker, Eric Groenendyk, Allison and Raymond DeFrain; great grandchildren Meghan, Joseph and Colette Beuker; sisters Clara Pierce, Marjorie Berrevoets and Grace Smith; brother-in-law Warren Krause and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 16 at 12 Noon at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit her family from 11 AM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Fourth Reformed Church are appreciated. To read more about Alice’s life, to share a favorite memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.