Alice was born in northwestern Ohio and grew up there on her father’s family farm. She was brought up in a Christian home and accepted Christ for herself at the age of 12 while attending a small conservative Presbyterian church with her family. Four years later, Alice’s parents bought a dairy farm just outside Brandon, MN, and moved there to begin a new life chapter. 

Alice graduated from Brandon High School and afterwards enrolled at Concordia College. There she earned her BA, with majors in Social Work and Psychology as well as a minor in Latin. 

During her college years, Alice grew in her love for prayer. In fact, she recalls spending more time praying for people than studying! That love for prayer has remained deep all these years and continues to mark her life and ministry. 

It was also during her college years that Alice met a kind, gentle, and good-humored man who loved the Lord and lived out his faith. God soon showed her that this man, Larry, would become her husband. (And so it was!) After getting married they lived on a farm east of Miltona where they farmed, milked cows and, most importantly, raised four children – Marie, Lance, Glen, and Jonas. 

Alice experienced different types of work over the years, including jobs at A&W, a Coca Cola plant, and a bakery. She also served alongside a professional counselor as a pastoral prayer minister; co-founded a nonprofit organization which offered therapeutic horse riding for people with disabilities; and was ordained as a pastor at the Lord’s House outside Pipestone, MN. 

Over the years, it became clear that God had given Alice a special love for animals and a unique ability to use them, especially horses, as a tool for teaching people about Jesus. Currently, Alice is a certified therapeutic riding instructor. For the last 12 years she has been serving as a volunteer for Destiny Youth Ranch in Alvord, Iowa. She is also on their board of directors and, as part of the leadership team, helps deal with problems that arise with campers, counselors, and volunteers.

Alice believes wholeheartedly in what Sacred Journey Academy is doing and for Whom SJA stands. Her deep passion for prayer, her joy in ministering to people, and her longing to be more like Jesus make her well-suited for the position in which she serves on the school’s spiritual advisory board.

Spending time with her husband and family tops Alice’s list of favorite things to do. Other pastimes she enjoys include cooking, baking, riding, teaching and helping horses, and being with her dogs, Lilly and Solomon. 

Larry and Alice attend New Testament Church.