Alyce Jane Knigge, age 88 of Belle Fourche SD, died Sunday, January 7, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her home.
The funeral service was held Thursday, January 11, 2024 at the Christian Life Center in Belle Fourche. Visitation took place \ Wednesday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Inter- ment was held at Greenwood Cemetery in Newcas- tle, Wyoming. The funeral service can be viewed live or follow- ing the service, from Alyce’s obituary page located on the funeral home’s website: www.Leverington- FH.com
Alyce Jane Knigge was born April 18, 1935 at her grandmother’s home in Sturgis, SD. She was the daughter of Viva (Jelly Christianson) Eatherton and Harold Eatherton. Alyce was one of seven children: Helen, Caroline, Leona, Betty, Harold, and Jeanne. Alyce attended rural schools in Rapid City, Moon and Limestone, SD before moving to Newcastle in the 4th grade where she graduated from Newcastle High School in 1953. She married Clifford “Wayne” Knigge on December 30, 1954 in Newcastle WY. Together they had four children: Don, LaDona, Jodi, Julie, and Jay.
Alyce and her husband Wayne moved frequently with his career in the oilfield, living in Moab, UT, Newcastle, WY, Lander, WY; Powder River, WY, Nevada, Riverton, WY, Shoshone, WY; Kimball, NE before settling in Gillette, WY in 1963, where the children attended school. Alyce and Wayne purchased a farm near Bushnell, NE in 1983, where Jay graduated from high school and she lived there until 2007 when she purchased her home in Belle Fourche, SD.
Alyce spent several years volunteering at the Tri-State Visitors Center and Museum in Belle Fourche. She loved animals and she had a witty sense of humor, and was never afraid to tell someone how it was. She was always considered to be the matriarch of the family because she always took care of everyone.
She was a wonderful cook and she loved feeding people, especially the grandchildren. Alyce loved her grandchildren, and they loved her. Time spent together – especially on the farm – created many memories. Alyce was faithful and trustworthy, always honest. She was a Godly woman. Her faith showed up in the way she lived. Alyce will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Alyce is survived by her children: LaDona Knigge of Chico, CA; Jodi Sprague of Colorado Springs, CO; Julie Schreibeis of Belle Fourche, SD; Jay Knigge (Missy) of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren, Chrystal Knigge, Rebekah Burke, Michael Burkarski (Megan), Lonnie Sprague, Jesse (Christina) Olsen, Elaina Schreibeis, Kabrina (Chris) Riniker, Jayson (Shelly) Knigge; and several great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne (1996), son, Donald Wayne Knigge (2021), granddaughter Christina (2022), and sister, Leona (1947).