The Summerland Advocate-Messenger - Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community

After decades of dedicated service as both a beloved teacher and an indispensable church secretary, Alice Braunersreuther is bidding farewell to the community where she lived for more than 60 years, in a heartfelt move to the Lone Star State. Her departure leaves behind a legacy of compassion, wisdom and unwavering commitment that has touched the lives of countless students, parishioners and community members who have had the privilege of knowing her. As Braunersreuther embarks on this new chapter of her life in Texas, her departure serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact one person can have on the lives of many.

Alice, a Tobias, Nebraska, native, spent three years in Norfolk, teaching at Christ Lutheran, after graduating from Concordia College with an elementary education degree and Lutheran teacher diploma.

In 1962, Braunersreuther arrived in Clearwater, the bride of the Rev. Donald Braunersreuther, who served as pastor of Concordia Lutheran Church. They raised a son, Jon, here, and became an integral part of the community.

After Jon graduated from Clearwater Public Schools, Braunersreuther was offered a contract to teach fourth grade.

"I taught there for 23 years. Those were wonderful years. I really enjoyed those years," she said.

Teaching math and Nebraska studies were two of her favorites.

"We always made our little projects of our sod houses and log cabins," she said. "That was great."

According to former students, she would include her last name as a bonus vocabulary word on spelling tests.

"Yes, everybody comments on that," she said, chuckling. "They always tell me, "I still know how to spell it.'"

Then, she lets them in on a secret.

"I tell them I never counted it off your grade if you got it wrong."

And, through the years, there were plenty of field trips. Classes would join third-grade students to visit the Edgerton Center in Aurora or the Kreycik Ranch near Niobrara.

"Those were great trips," she said.

In 1993, Donald died, following a cancer journey. She assisted with office duties at the church during his illness.

"He didn't have a secretary," he said.

Once a vacancy pastor was on board, church elders asked if she would mind handling the office duties. Two pastors and 30 years later, she's finally ready to retire.

"Pastor Feusse came and nobody told me to quit so I kept doing it," she said.

Next week, she'll relocate to Spring, Texas, closer to her family, which has expanded with the addition of grandchildren and great-grands.

Her new residence is part of a retirement complex.

"There are lots of amenities, which I hope to use," she said.

Plus, it's only an eight-minute trip from home to church, where her granddaughter's husband serves as a pastor.

Kathy Patras | For SAM

Open house • Alice Braunersreuther greets Paul Horman, of Clearwater, during Sunday's open house at Concordia Lutheran Church. The two were colleages at Clearwater Public School.

"There's always volunteer work you can do at the church," she added.

She also looks forward to attending her great-grandchildren's activities.

"I hope to stay active," she said.

While she looks forward to being near family, she admits she will miss many things about Clearwater.

One item she'll miss: her pickup.

"I was fine, but when he drove off with it, I lost it. It was like part of my life went," she said.

But most of all, she'll miss the people.

"The church people, of course, have been very kind to me. I also remember the school years very well. I had many fine students and wonderful parents and a great staff to work with," she said. "Those were all wonderful years. I always thought I had a great relationship with the people and that means a lot."