Alice Crater

Dates

May 14, 1942 - April 24, 2026

Obituary

Alice DeeAnn Crater (Gaulke), 83, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Saturday, May 9, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Alice DeeAnn Gaulke was born May 14, 1942, in Gann Valley, S.D., to Edgar and Gladys Gaulke.

She married John P. Crater on October 18, 1964. They lived in Plankinton and Custer before settling in Mitchell. Alice was a childcare provider at Trinity Lutheran Church and a classroom assistant at Mitchell Senior High School.

Alice was a loving, hardworking wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend. She enjoyed caring for her home, gardening, bowling, darts, cards, and her pets. However, what she enjoyed most was spending time with her family.

Alice is survived by her son, Barry (Patricia) Crater; grandsons, Michael and Bennett Crater; granddaughter, Kaylynn (Justin) Stark; great-granddaughter, Anya Stark; brother, David (Judy) Gaulke; and son-in-law, Curt Bult.

Alice was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Crater; daughter, Dawn Bult (Crater); grandson, Dustin Wee; and brother, Duane Gaulke.

In place of flowers, please donate to Mitchell Animal Rescue.

May her memory be a blessing and a comfort to all who knew and loved her.

Visitation(s)

Date
Saturday, May 9, 2026

Time
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location
First United Methodist Church
310 N Rowley St
Mitchell, SD 57301

Service

Date
Saturday, May 9, 2026

Time
11:30 AM

Location
First United Methodist Church
310 N Rowley St
Mitchell, SD 57301

Cemetery

Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery
Mitchell, SD

Posted by Judy Thiesse on May 12, 2026

Alice had a sense of humor to make anyone smile. She always smiled and was the sweetest lady ever worked at MHS. To the Crater family, I am sorry for your loss. Pull on her humor and memories to get you through your grief.

Posted by Doug Ellwein on May 9, 2026

Alice was a lovely and personable lady, who cared for everyone. She was the BEST at MHS.

Posted by Renee Peters on May 2, 2026

So sorry to hear, Lots of memories going to their house,Mom n Dad playing cards, us kids, playing bouncy ball n the basement, thoughts n prayers Barry

Posted by Lena Winter on April 30, 2026

Alice was a special friend for many years. She was kind and generous to everyone. She was fun to be around. She will be missed by everyone.

Posted by June Wenande on April 30, 2026

She was the sweetest person. I really enjoyed working with her too! Prayers to her family.

Posted by Laurene. Gaulke Wieczorek. on April 30, 2026

Rest in peace. It was great having you in my life cousin

Posted by Debra Hohn on April 30, 2026

Alice took care of my son in Trinity Lutheran Day care. (1985-1988) She was so good with those kids.
I’m truly grateful for her care.
Heaven truly gained an angel. R.I.P. Alice.

Posted by Bruce Long on April 28, 2026

We are so sorry to hear about Pinky. We just talked to her and she said she was recovering from a surgery and was in wonderful spirits. We had a wonderful conversation. She was talking about her home being for sale. I'll miss Pinky. Heaven is getting a wonderful lady.

Posted by Bob and Lori Herman on April 28, 2026

Crater family, we are so sorry for your loss. I work with Alice at the daycare. Her infectious laugh always made us smile. We then began bowling with her and John and became friends for years. May you remember all those special times with her. She was a special lady and a wonderful friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. Thinking of you as you celebrate Alice's beautiful life. She will live on in your hearts. Losing a parent is an unimaginable pain. Please remember that you're not alone in your grief. Lean on the love and support of friends and family as you navigate through this difficult journey.

Posted by Bobbie Clark on April 27, 2026

Alice was wonderful with the children at the church Daycare.
Will always be thankful for her.

Posted by Deb Tilton on April 26, 2026

Alice was a great lady, use to bowl with her and John years ago!! RIP

Posted by Gerry Aman on April 26, 2026

RIP my cousin!