Alice Lachniet

Alice Marie Lachniet was an exceptionally quiet and soft-spoken person. She enjoyed simple pleasures and spent most of her life developing a personal relationship with God. Known to enjoy embroidery as well as flower gardening, Alice lived relatively peaceful years. Her entire existence remained within a small geographical area as her work, church, and home were within a short distance from one another. Although Alice made friends easily, the ones she kept close to her were very special as she wasn’t one to let others into her life easily. Her warm spirit and gentle ways will be fondly cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Alice’s story begins in the year of 1940. The effects of the Great Depression were finally beginning to ease, yet there was strife in Europe when Germany invaded France. The feel good feeling of leaving the depression led to the release of major motion pictures such as, "Gone With the Wind" and the "Great Dictator." Jazz music boomed with the likes of Benny Goodman and Count Basie. FDR was elected for a third term and most Americans were starting to believe they should help Britain in its fight for survival with Germany leading to the first peacetime draft. Herman and Elizabeth (Veltman) Lachniet were overjoyed to welcome home their newborn daughter, Alice Marie on November 7th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining seven older siblings who were ten years her senior and from a previous marriage, Alice’s birth brought much happiness to her parents.

Alice lived a childhood that was typical of the times. Her parents felt It was important to raise each of the children with a strong faith life, therefore in the likeness of the rest of her siblings, Alice attended both Baldwin and later Baxter Christian Schools. Returning home from school Alice was often left to care for her aging father as her mother had already passed away. These early experiences instilled in Alice the passion for serving others. When she was a young adolescent, she eagerly found work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Aquinata Hall, the healthcare department of what is now known as the Dominican Center of Marywood, once home to the Dominican Sisters. With a beautiful campus adorned with exquisite gardens and rolling hills, Alice found great joy in her many years of working there with an exceptionally caring and compassionate staff. It was here that she made many long-lasting friendships and companions who remained close to her throughout her lifetime.

In addition to the happiness she found in being of service to others, she also found great comfort in her years of worshipping at Third Reformed Church. An active member over the years, Alice was known to participate in Bible Studies and attend many church activities and special events. Third Reformed was welcoming to all and validated her love of her Lord and Savior. When celebrating special occasions or enjoying an evening out with friends, she’d often choose her favorite restaurant of choice, Russ’ restaurant, a popular family diner known for serving some of Michigan’s most delicious inexpensive homemade food. Alice modeled a life of service and generosity. Sadly, she recently passed away at St. Mary's Hospital and her charming and sweet personality will be dearly missed by her special loved ones and close friends.

Alice M. Lachniet, age 77 of Grand Rapids, passed away January 3, 2018. She is survived by her sister, Theresa (Irwin) DeRuischer, and several nieces and nephews. A brief service will be held on Tuesday, January 9 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW with interment to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions to either Third Reformed Church or Concern International are appreciated. To share a memory or sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com