Funeral services for Alice Thorstenson, age 89, of Selby will be at 10 AM, Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at St. John Lutheran Church in Selby. Burial will be at Bethany Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Visitation will start at 5 PM Tuesday with a prayer service at 7 PM at the church. Alice passed away Sunday, December 25, 2011 at the Bowdle Nursing Home.

Alice Christine Thorstenson was born on April 10, 1922 to Jacob and Christina (Renz) Borth in Herreid. She grew up on the family farm until her father passed away when she was 9. She was baptized and confirmed at Peace Lutheran Church in Herreid. She attended school and graduated from Herreid High School. Alice worked in Mobridge at a drug store and MDU as assistant cashier before she was married. She met Ralph Thorstenson at the drug store where she would serve him shakes at the soda fountain. Alice and Ralph were married on December 17, 1944 at Peace Lutheran Church in Herreid. They made their home on Ralph's family farm until 1987 when they moved into Selby. Alice helped Ralph on the farm with chores all while raising her family.

They were members of Bethany Lutheran Church where she participated in numerous activities like superintendent of Sunday School, a Sunday School teacher and choir member. She also belonged to the Merry Dozen Extension Club and was active in Bible studies and Christian Women's Club. Alice and Ralph traveled to Arizona for their winters and she also traveled with him to Hereford activities. They became members of St. John Lutheran Church in 1972. She enjoyed cooking, baking, dancing, music and embroidery, which she made many dish towels. She was an inspiration for her children to pursue music. Alice was supportive and devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren.

Alice is survived by her children, Roger (Bonnie) Thorstenson of Selby, Kathleen (Duane) Heinrich of Forbes, ND, Karen (Brian) Witte of Ottumwa, IA, William (Paula) Thorstenson of Selby and James Thorstenson of Roscoe; grandchildren, Chad (Lydia) Thorstenson, Shane Thorstenson, Kea (Trapper) Thorstenson, Nathan (Erin) Heinrich, Alison Heinrich, Chris Witte, Amber Witte, Beth (Rich) Fiedler, Darin (Danielle) Thorstenson, Tate (Michaela) Thorstenson, Jeff (Kristi) Thorstenson, Justin (Julie) Thorstenson, and Jason Thorstenson; great grandchildren, Jynnifer, Brady, Collin, Rachel, Miah, Gracin, Alix, Autumn, Tayla, Treg, Tanner, Jace, Adelyn and Ella; brother, Wyland (Audrey) Borth of Pierre; sister, Viola Liedtke of Webster; brothers-in-law, Tony Voller of Mobridge and Herman (Jan) Thorstenson of Illinois; sister-in-law, Shirley (Ozzie) Stenburg of Boise, ID.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ralph, infant daughter, LeAnne, sisters, Gertrude Baer, Lillian Borth, Elsie Voller, and Alvina Brenner.

Casketbearers will be Grandchildren: Chad Thorstenson, Shane Thorstenson, Kea Thorstenson, Nathan Heinrich, Alison Heinrich, Chris Witte, Amber Witte, Beth Fiedler, Darin Thorstenson, Tate Thorstenson, Jeff Thorstenson, Justin Thorstenson, and Jason Thorstenson.

HonoraryBearers will be Alice's great grandchildren and the Bowdle Nursing Home Staff.