Alice Elizabeth Altherr, beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026 at the age of 99. Born on December 12, 1926, to George and Marie (Bauer) Jaegle in Lafayette, Indiana, Alice graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1944, where she met the love of her life and husband Russell. They were married on June 20, 1948, and enjoyed more than seventy years together.
Alice began her career as a bookkeeper and secretary in the Lafayette area before relocating to Munster, where she assumed the position of Superintendent’s Secretary at the School Town of Munster. In her 25 years there, Alice dedicated her time to the school corporation, providing administrative support to four different superintendents. Her steady presence and unwavering commitment left a lasting impact on those around her and undoubtably made the transitions smoother. In 1992, Alice retired from the school corporation.
Alice was also a faithful member of Ridge United Methodist Church for over 60 years, actively participating in the Women’s Rachel Circle, UMW, and volunteering for numerous church activities. She consistently served her community by working in the soup kitchen and delivering meals to the homeless shelter every Monday night. Her commitment to selfless service, devotion to her family, and contributions to her community will be recognized and valued by future generations.
Alice valued her family deeply and enjoyed keeping up with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treasured yearly trips to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, where she spent quality time at the pool, shopping, dining, and playing games with loved ones as well as the other special families in the Bay Shore Inn group.
Alice enjoyed many bridge clubs over the years, including one that began with six couples and grew into lifelong friendships. She was the last remaining member of that original group. In her later years, she loved playing Phase 10 and, true to her competitive spirit, often won. Alice was also active in a Women’s Investment Club, PEO Philanthropic Organization, Psi Iota Xi, and volunteered at the polls. She enjoyed reading in her spare time, reading The Times daily, and completing every James Patterson book. Alice approached every role in her life with compassion, kindness, and a quiet strength that inspired all who knew her.
Over the past 3 years, Alice was blessed to have the most wonderful Christian caregivers who truly loved her. Special thanks to Joyce, Mary, Barbara and Gert for the unwavering love and compassion they provided each and every day.
Alice is survived by her children Deborah (Chris) Meloy, Lori (James)Hupy and Cheryl (Neil) Planalp; grandchildren Christen (Quinton) Owens, Kathrine (Kyle) Bieda, Michael (Megan) Planalp, Monica (Rob) Bush, Zach (Emily) Hupy and Matthew (Skylar) Hupy; great-grandchildren Drake, Ryleigh, Avery, Bennett, Micah, Levi, Julia, Cohen, Alaina, Cora, Eli and Eleanor.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents George and Marie Jaegle, her husband, Russell George Altherr and her son-in law James Hupy.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm with a prayer service at 3:00 pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN 46321.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Alice’s name to Ridge United Methodist Church. https://ridgeumc.org/give/
To plant a tree in memory of Alice E. Altherr, please visit our Tribute Store.