Alice May Tschacher Gerdes, 94, left this earthly world for heaven to be united with the love of her life, Gene, on July 25th, 2024 with her family by her side.
Alice was born December 25th, 1929 in Alliance, Nebraska to Ed and Lacy (Boyer) Tschacher of Hemingford, Nebraska. At age five, the family moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho having lived there until age twelve then moved back to Nebraska. Her education began at Saint Agnes Academy until graduating in 1948. She attended Saint Mary College in Kansas for a time.
On July 9th, 1951 Alice was wed to Gene Gerdes at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Alice and Gene spent 66 years of blissful marriage until his death on June 21st, 2017. In that time, two beautiful baby girls, Andrea in 1965 and Sarah in 1967 were adopted and became their pride and joy.
In 1987, after taking Library Science at Chadron State College, Alice became a librarian at Alliance Public Library for 10 and ½ years. Those who knew her, knew her as the “Story Time Lady”. After retiring from the library, Alice then stayed home to ranch with Gene and their daughters.
Alice was a lifelong member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, a founding member of Magnificat of the Sandhills Chapter, active in her daughter’s 4-H group the Household Hustlers, and president of the Nebraska Wheat Hearts mother group. In 2019 she moved to Hemingford, Nebraska where she enjoyed many friendships. Alice enjoyed music, singing for many weddings, funerals, and for her family over the years. Alice dedicated her life to her family and friends. She especially lived for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Alice leaves behind her daughters Andrea (Bud) Gerdes, Sarah (Randy) Milleson, grandchildren Erin (Mark) Fritzler, Robyn (Brandon) Flores, and Michael (Shyanne) Rust, and 12 great grandchildren, siblings Margie (Fred) Brost, Gary (Barbara) Tschacher, Robert (Mary) Tschacher, and Mary Jo (Joe) Rotter. Alice leaves behind many wonderful friendships. She was preceded in death by her husband Gene Gerdes, brothers Edward and Donald Tschacher, sisters Sharon Miller and Delores Tschacher. The staff at Highland Park Care Center fell in love with Alice during her short time there. They provided a loving and supportive environment. Alice and her family so appreciated the excellent and loving care she received while she was there.
Funeral services will be Thursday, August 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. A wake service will be Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home and continue at the wake service.
Memorials may be sent in care of the family to 803 Colorado Ave in Alliance, Nebraska. Alice asked that donations to be designated to Down Syndrome and Autism Research Centers.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.