Alice Lorraine (DeWald) Michaelis – January 30, 2024

Alice Lorraine (DeWald) Michaelis completed her baptismal journey in Colorado Springs, Colorado on January 30, 2024, one month shy of 101. Alice was born the second oldest of five brothers and one sister to Benjamin Emanuel DeWald and Elizabeth (Schwartz) DeWald on the family homestead in Russell County, Kansas on March 1, 1923.

Alice was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Milberger, Kansas. Alice attended rural grade school and graduated from Russell High School in 1940. Upon graduation from the Wichita Business School in 1942 she worked in the Agricultural Conservation Program Office in Russell. She became engaged to Harold Michaelis and upon his return at the end of WWII’s European War they were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Russell, Kansas, August 26, 1945. Following Harold’s discharge from the Army Air Corp in December 1945 they moved to Colorado Springs, building their first home and the Michaelis Drive-Inn restaurant in Manitou Springs. In the years that followed, they expanded to four other drive-inns in Colorado Springs along with other real estate, commercial and agricultural holdings.

Being a homemaker, Alice was active in the YMCA as part of the Y’s Leader Club in swimming, participated in synchronized swimming, taught aqua-tots, swam in the 100 Mile Club, certified in life and water safety first aid and completed both the senior and advanced life saving training. Alice was also active in bowling leagues in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, taking off her bowling shoes at the age of 89. She and Harold enjoyed domestic and foreign travel as well as taking to the road in the RV for sights and Colorado mountain fishing spots.

Alice and Harold were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, since 1946, raising their three children in this community.

Welcoming Alice to her eternal home are husband, Harold; and daughter, Carol Burrill; her parents, Emanuel and Elizabeth DeWald; brothers: Leroy, Harlan, Howard, Paul, Darrell; and sister, Norma Feil.  Remaining and looking forward to a final and joy filled reunion are children, Stanley Michaelis (Mary), and Ruth Martin; seven grandchildren: Sheri Kindsvater (Will Ely), Lorraine Dodson (Michael), Brian Burrill (Sarah), Christopher Michaelis, Kimberly Odinga (Andrew), Elizabeth Michaelis, and Adam Martin (Carrie); 11 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, 1730 E. Fountain Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO, Friday, February 9, 2024, 9:00-10:00 a.m. followed by a service to God’s glory and faithfulness at 10:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 846 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.