Alice Yvonne Willman

Alice Yvonne (Frick) Willman, 84, of Wessington Springs, SD, passed away at her home Thursday, October 19, 2023.

The daughters of Alice Willman request the honor of your presence for an afternoon of remembrance, reminiscing, and sharing stories. This celebration of Alice’s life will be held Saturday, April 27, from 2-4 p.m. at the Springs Inn in Wessington Springs. A light lunch will be served. If you are unable to attend in person, please join us in your heart. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

We also encourage friends to share a favorite memory on Mom’s Facebook page. We’ll be sure to read them to her.

Alice was born in Mitchell, SD on April 24, 1939, to Henry and Mayme Frick. She graduated from Gann Valley High School as the Class Valedictorian in 1957. Alice married Willard Willman on December 30, 1959. They drove to Oakland, CA the day after they married and began their life together. Willard worked as a welder at the Chevrolet Plant and Alice was a secretary at Mills Women’s College in Berkeley, CA. Family obligations drew them back to South Dakota in April of 1960, so they moved back to the ranch to help Willard’s father.

Alice was a wonderful cook and a gifted seamstress. She was active on her bowling league and played many years on the ladies golf league. If she wasn’t busy canning, sewing, or baking desserts for Willard, she was helping with the ranch work.

Alice had several other jobs. She drove the school bus for many years, and was a cook at the Silver Spur café. She obtained her certification as a Licensed Massage Therapist and started Alice’s Massage Therapy. This was one of her proudest accomplishments. She enjoyed giving massages to patients at Weskota Manor.

Alice and Willard enjoyed many trips to the Denver Stock Show, and the National Finals Rodeo in Vegas.

In 1996, they moved to a new home in Wessington Springs. In 2008, Alice and Willard bought a home in Weslaco, TX. They enjoyed spending warm sunny winters with their special Snow to Sun friends.

Willard passed away in 2020. Alice continued driving back to Texas each Fall vowing to never spend another winter in South Dakota.

She enjoyed caramel rolls at the Senior Center and breakfast at the Springs Inn with her special friends each week. She also loved socializing at happy hours. Alice was very patriotic and loved admiring the flag she flew in her yard. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Most of all, she loved dancing with her sweetheart, attending rodeos, playing cards, as well as sitting outside on her swing.

She is survived by her daughters: Rene’ Kenney of Soldotna, AK, Terri (Todd) Furchner of Rapid City, SD, and Tanya Jones (Troy Peterson) of Volga, SD; brother, Guy (Melinda) Frick; very special family friend, Mike Kenney; grandchildren: Robin, Justin (Nastia), Kara (Jett), Taylor, Ty, Daniel, Calvin (Cassandra), and Matthew; and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard; parents, Henry and Mayme; and brother, Roger.

The family requests no flowers.