Alice Eleanor Thomas peacefully transitioned from this life on Sunday, February 26, 2017…just one day after her 80th birthday. In her usual humble way, Alice quietly managed life with Parkinson’s Disease for 16 years. When her health no longer allowed her to live alone, she moved to the Minneapolis area to be near her children. She was living in the Minneapolis area at the time of her death and was surrounded by the love of her family. Alice was born in Dell Rapids, SD on February 25, 1937; her parents were Sylvester Fiegen and Agnes Bowar Fiegen. She graduated from St Mary High School in Dell Rapids. Alice was swept off her feet by Marvin Thomas and they married in 1956. They lived and worked together on their farm in Parkston until Marvin’s death in 1982. They were blessed with five children. Alice loved to serve others and this was evident as she transitioned from life on the farm to work that included serving as a CNA, EMT, and Pastoral Care Minister. She was also an active CCD teacher, member of the Catholic Daughters, and a regular volunteer in the Sacred Heart Parish for many years. Alice enjoyed biking, golfing, going for walks, attending high school athletic events, and quilting. She was also passionate about baking, cooking, and sharing her treats with friends and family. She is survived by her children, Barbara (Steve) Larson of Pendleton, OR, Bill (Camille) Thomas of Minneapolis, MN, Mary (Owen) Steiner of Minneapolis, MN, Dennis (Rita) Thomas of Custer, WI and Paula (Barry) Bruss of Rochester, MN. She is also survived by 13 loving grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and a sister. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one great-grandchild, and a sister. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, March 11, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston, SD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Parkinson’s Foundation at http://www.parkinson.org/get-involved/ways-to-give or to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Parkston, SD.