Alice May (Koning) Truckenmiller

Alice May (Koning) Truckenmiller, 96, died peacefully in her sleep at Huntington Place in Janesville, WI.

On May 16, 1929, Alice was the second child born to Helen (Kraft) and Aaron Koning, who would later add seven more siblings to the family. Alice started her education at the one-room South Side Elementary School in preparation for her studies at both Forreston High School and Freeport High School. While she was a capable student, Alice left the academic pursuits for marriage. During the 13-year marriage, she birthed three daughters: Lucia, Lillian, and Linda, before a son, Larry.

Becoming a single mother of four, Alice worked continuously at many jobs, to provide for her children. She started her office work at Structo MFG before moving on to Newell MFG, from which she retired as a member of the “20 year” Club. The part-time second and third jobs often included office and retail assignments at May’s Drug, Sears and Osco Drug stores.

During this time, she still made space for her favorite activity of bowling. With dear friends from these leagues. She competed in 26 National and 27 Illinois State Tournaments, reflecting her membership in the Woman of Moose. Her participation in The Women of the Moose, where she maintained a lifetime membership, led to leadership positions rising to the highest officer level of “College of Regents,” of the woman’s organization.

After retirement, Alice moved to Janesville, Wisconsin, where she continued to work in retail until the age of 80. She finally ended her bowling career at the age of 90. Alice cherished being a 60-year member of Embury United Methodist Church, before its closure, after spending her youth, including confirmation, at St. John United Church of Christ. Family gatherings, whether for holidays or extended family reunions, were of particular importance to Alice as she held those close to her even closer. An afternoon of euchre or NASCAR racing always brought added joy.

Those who will continue to cherish her memory include her children: Lucia (Craig) Farr, Lillian (Lil) Dash, Linda Truckenmiller- (Dan) Krum, and Larry (Mary Ann) Truckenmiller, in addition to her 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Alice outlived all her eight siblings of five brothers: Walter, Kenneth, Maurice, Clarence and Arthur and three sisters: Shirley Rife, Margaret and Ruth Ann, in addition to her parents and most of her friends.

A visitation for Alices family will take place on Friday, May 8th, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. The celebration of life service will take place immediately following the visitation at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N. Walnut Ave., Freeport IL 61032.