Alice Mae Schmuker
Alice Mae Schmuker, age 92, of Byron Center, MI, went to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by family on Sunday, December 7, 2025. Alice was born November 12, 1933, the eldest of four children to Alois and Lillian Brown, in Conklin, MI, where she was later crowned Apple Queen.
After earning her RN degree from Mercy Central, she went on to work as a nurse anesthetist. She enjoyed being a member of the Mercy Nurse Honor Guard. Alice was a devoted and active charter member of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, involved in jail ministry, served as a CCD instructor, was instrumental in the Vietnamese refugee resettlement program, and participated in ministry trips, including Haiti where she personally met Mother Teresa.
An amazing achievement for Alice was participating in a 5k at 72 years old and winning first place in her age group. Alice was a colorful storyteller as well as a social person who enjoyed being involved not only in her church, but also in the lives of her family and in the community, which included volunteering as a member of MADD. A significant global achievement for Alice was traveling to the seven continents of the world. She received the United Nations Peace Medal for her work with foreign exchange students, including touring the Great Lakes. She and Darrell enjoyed being winter Texans on South Padre Island for many years.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, Darrell Schmuker, and her brother, Robert Brown. Alice is lovingly remembered by her children, Joanne (Dan) Vanderstelt of Charlotte, MI, Dennis (Rita Garren) Schmuker of Morrison, CO, Stephen (Jean) Schmuker of Grand Rapids, MI, Michael Schmuker of Winter Springs, FL, James (Jamie) Schmuker of Marne, MI, Mary (Scott) Mahoney of Allendale, MI, Bernadette (Jim) Overby of Ensenada, Mexico, Gerald (Adrianna) Schmuker of Spring Lake, MI; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Gary Brown; sister, Kathleen (Duane) Perrin; many nieces and nephews; and a longtime friend, Mary Jo Verhulst.
Her family expresses special thanks to The Oaks at Byron Center and Emmanuel Hospice for the loving care provided to Alice and shown to them. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 14, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, 49508, where the Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 1253 52nd St. SE, Kentwood, 49508, Monday, December 15, at 11a.m., with celebrant Fr. Peter Vu. Visitation will precede the service at church from 10 to 11 a.m. Entombment will be in Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Alice may be made to Emmanuel Hospice, 401 Hall St SW, #263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.