Alice Kay Laaker, age 84, of Dubuque, IA, completed her earthly journey on October 31, 2023, at home while surrounded by her loving family.  To honor Alice’s life, her Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Dockside Bar and Grille, 22500 Golf Lake Road in Mud Lake.  Alice’s family requests that family and friends wear their pink attire proudly in honor of Alice.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Alice’s family.

Alice was born on February 21, 1939, in Holy Cross, IA, a daughter to Clarence and Edwina (Hefel) Schmitt.  She grew up with a strong work ethic which she carried proudly throughout her entire life.  Alice invested over 40 years of her time and talents at Georgia Pacific until her eventual retirement in 2009 and was literally heartbroken when she discovered that she would not be returning for another honest day’s work moving forward.  Alice was more than just a faithful and loyal employee though, her devotion to her family and friends was always a top priority in her life.  Spending time with “her grandkids” was what drove Alice most days, but she always enjoyed a little time working in the yard, or walking her dog as time allowed.  She also treasured any opportunity to grab her fishing pole and spend some time in the warm afternoon sun, or gathering around the card table for a friendly game of Euchre.  Watching General Hospital was also a subtle vice which she secretly submitted to, but all of these pastimes were only made perfect when she had a cold Pepsi in her hands as well.  Alice lived a full and abundant life and thankfully leaves behind many beautiful memories for those who knew and loved her to carry on in their hearts and minds.  Her legacy will be clearly evident in the generations to follow and we are grateful for every moment the Lord kept Alice here among us to spread her love and light and continually remind us that “God is good, all the time”.  Thank you, Alice, for teaching us that the challenges in life are primarily opportunities for us to grow and become stronger and only through the difficult days can we truly learn to appreciate the good ones also.  May peace be yours now as you leave your earthly battles behind and may the Lord keep and hold you as we seek peace and comfort in your absence.  We will surely try our best to remember your no tears motto also as we attempt to navigate the difficult days ahead without you by our side.  We will love and miss you dearly until we meet again!

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Alice include,

her children,

Jerry (Robin) Runde, Dubuque, IA,

Jodi (Mike) Billmeyer, Dubuque, IA,

and Jason (Molly) Laaker, Dubuque, IA;

her adored grandchildren,

Nicole (TJ) Worrell, Samantha (Rob) Korman, Gerald “Bear” Runde III, Victoria (Luke O’Malley) Runde, Jada Perkins, Vanessa Perkins, Alison Laaker, Emily Laaker, and Jacob Laaker;

her great-grandchildren,

Giavanna Worrell, Archer Worrell, Charleston Korman, Bode Korman, Josie Korman, Barrett O’Malley, and Blare O’Malley;

her godchild,

Corinne Bries, Holy Cross, IA;

her siblings,

Jean (Jim) Steil, Asbury, IA,

Elaine (Ray) Backes, Dubuque, IA,

Gary (Mary Lou) Schmitt, Holy Cross, IA,

Mary Jean (Steve) Redding, Dubuque, IA,

Danny (Nancy) Schmitt, Dubuque, IA,

and Dennis (Carol) Schmitt, Dubuque, IA;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Edwina Schmitt.

Alice’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Alice and her family.   

Online condolences may be shared with Alice’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com