The family of Alice DeeAnn Crater of Mitchell, SD announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Below, the family shares some of what made her life meaningful.
Alice held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
A life of faith is rarely a life of certainty — but always one of trust.
Alice DeeAnn Crater (Gaulke), 83, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Saturday, May 9, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will be at Servicemen's Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Alice DeeAnn Gaulke was born May 14, 1942, in Gann Valley, S.D., to Edgar and Gladys Gaulke.
She married John P. Crater on October 18, 1964. They lived in Plankinton and Custer before settling in Mitchell. Alice was a childcare provider at Trinity Lutheran Church and a classroom assistant at Mitchell Senior High School.
Alice was a loving, hardworking wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, and friend. She enjoyed caring for her home, gardening, bowling, darts, cards, and her pets. However, what she enjoyed most was spending time with her family.
Alice is survived by her son, Barry (Patricia) Crater; grandsons, Michael and Bennett Crater; granddaughter, Kaylynn (Justin) Stark; great-granddaughter, Anya Stark; brother, David (Judy) Gaulke; and son-in-law, Curt Bult.
Alice was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Crater; daughter, Dawn Bult (Crater); grandson, Dustin Wee; and brother, Duane Gaulke.
In place of flowers, please donate to Mitchell Animal Rescue.
May her memory be a blessing and a comfort to all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
