Alice Ida Bockhaus, daughter of Albert and Ida Buls Kuker, was born October 30, 1918, in Tripoli, Bremer County, Iowa. She was baptized January 26, 1919, by Rev. Stech and confirmed in 1932, by Rev. K. Koehler, at St. Peter’s Evangelical and Reformed Church, which is now Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli. Alice attended Tripoli Public School, graduating in 1936. After graduation, Alice started working as a clerk in the dry goods and grocery departments of the Tripoli Mercantile for her uncle E.H. Kuker and remained until 1944.

            On July 19, 1940, she was united in marriage with Wesley H. Bockhaus at St. Peter’s Church parsonage in Tripoli.  In 1964, Alice returned to work at the Tripoli Mercantile for her cousin William (Hap) Kuker. She later worked for Wilford D. George (Bill’s Jack and Jill) and Dan Borton (Dan’s Jack and Jill). She worked in the dry goods department until it closed, but continued in the grocery department until her retirement on June 27, 1984. Following her husband’s death on November 17, 1994, Alice continued to make her home in Tripoli.

            On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, her death occurred at the Buchanan County Health Center, following a brief illness. She was ninety-three years old and had been a lifelong member of Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli where she was a member of the Women’s Fellowship. She also volunteered in making visits to the Tripoli Nursing Home, assisted in helping on Memorial Day services at the cemetery, and participated in a bowling league for many years. Among her favorite pastimes were raising violets, doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles, and shopping.

            Alice is survived by one daughter, Karen (Roger) Bahr of Walker; a granddaughter, Jennifer Bahr of Vinton; and her cousin, Kaye Osborn of Tripoli.

            In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.

            Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 18, 2012, at Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli, with Rev. Marilyn Sargent officiating. Interment will be at Fremont Cemetery, rural Tripoli. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Rettig Funeral Home in Tripoli and for one hour before services at the church on Friday. Memorials may be made in her name to Faith United Church of Christ in Tripoli.