February 9, 1943 - August 28, 2026
Alice Jean Jacobs Bruce passed away on August 28, 2026 at the age of 83 at the Good Samaritan Society Village in Sioux Falls.
Mass of Christian Burial was held September 3 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Burial followed at Black Hills National Cemetery.
Alice was born in Elgin, ND on February 9, 1943 to Alvin and Verna (Well) Jacobs of McIntosh. Growing up on the ranch she developed a strong work ethic and took on every task to completion. What she enjoyed most was working with horses and cattle. Alice and her siblings attended country school until it closed in 1953. She graduated from McIntosh High School in 1961.
She attended college in Bismarck, ND where she completed courses that emphasized secretarial work and business law. She returned to McIntosh, serving as a legal secretary for attorney Robert Tschetter.
She met local businessman and farmer, Donald Bruce. They were married in March 1963, and welcomed three children: Tracy, Monte, and Steve. Alice and Don both enjoyed auction sales where they acquired and restored antiques to decorate their beautiful home.
As Don and the children were involved in the farming operation Alice continued her career in law and was a supportive wife and mother at home. She was involved in St. Bonaventure Church and community activities. In 1974, became a Clerk Magistrate for the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
After a lengthy illness Don passed away in 1982. Alice continued to live and work in McIntosh and raised her children. In 1990, she moved to Spearfish and became the Court Clerk-Magistrate for Lawrence County.
Alice spent a total of 34 years in the legal system, more than 18 in Deadwood. She served on many committees during her years of employment and was involved in the development of the Unified Judicial System’s first case management system.
In 1990, a devastating courthouse flood in Deadwood threatened to ruin records dating back to the 1800’s and before. Alice was responsible for rescuing and preserving early Dakota Territory history by implementing a system to bring these historical files back to life.
She retired in 2008 to pursue other interests.
Alice is survived by her sons, Steve (Stacey) and Monte (Sally); grandchildren and a great-granddaughter; sisters Deann Tschetter, Maryann Kane, Linda (Robert) Hilsendager, Jody (Wiley) Meyer, and Vickie (Myron) Volk; brother Larry (Lyla) Jacobs; in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Don; daughter Tracy Bruce Monier; brothers Roger and Melvin; in-laws Marion and Elvira Bruce; brothers-in-law Bob Tschetter and John Kane; sisters-inlaw Mary Bruce, and Maryann Miller and numerous nieces and nephews.