Alice Martha Braeger

Alice M. Braeger, 103, of West Bend, passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026, at Cedar Community - The Cottages.

She was born on March 12, 1922, to the late Ernst and Elisabeth (nee Laubenstein) Braeger in the town of Trenton, Washington County, WI. Baptism took place one week later March 19, 1922, at St. Johannes Gemeinde in Newburg, WI by Rev. A. Peterman. The family moved to West Bend in October of 1923 and from 1927 to 1935 she attended St. John's Lutheran School in West Bend. On Palm Sunday, April 14, 1935, she confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior and Lord before the congregation and Rev. H. C. Klingbiel at St. John's.

She graduated from West Bend High School in 1939, having favored music by playing the clarinet in both the band and orchestra and piano accompanist for the chorus. She attended and enjoyed each class reunion that followed. Alice worked at the local J.C. Penney Co. as office and cashier for five years and from 1944 to 1987 was employed at B. C. Ziegler and Company, West Bend, as secretary to executive officers and served as Corporate Secretary of the parent company, The Ziegler Company, Inc. the last thirteen of those years.

She did some traveling in the United States and Canada and in August of 1987 moved to Cedar Ridge Retirement Apartments where she continued her interest in volunteering, gardening, and reading.

Alice was a proud believer in her Lord and Savior and was an active member at St. John’s, principally as Senior Choir Alto, Sunday School Teacher, Adult Bible class leader, Counselor of the Lutheran Girl Pioneers organization, and Ladies Aide Society. She was also helpful as organist in the early years of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, just north of West Bend from 1990 to 2008.

Alice lived a long and meaningful life devoted to her family, friends, and community. She was known for her kindness, quiet strength, and the thoughtful care she showed to those around her. She valued life’s simple moments, and especially cherished time spent with loved ones.

She is survived by cousins, friends, and caregivers who will forever cherish her memory.

In addition to her parents, Alice is preceded in death by her devoted sisters, Grace Braeger and Dorothy Braeger-Helgeson, and infant brother, Allen.

A service of thanksgiving and victory is being celebrated on January 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church (809 S. 6th Ave, West Bend) with Reverend Jeff Hesse officiating the service. The time of gathering and to pay your final respects will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Alice’s final resting place will be at Washington County Memorial Park in West Bend.

In lieu of flowers and memorial cards, donations to a charity of your choice in Alice’s memory are appreciated.

Alice often reflected on her life with gratitude and joy, feeling truly “Bountifully Blessed by the Lord.” Her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Special thanks to MD Care Management for their advocacy, as well as Heart & Hands Home Care for their care and support over the last 2.5 years.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Alice’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book can be found at www.myhrum-patten.com.