Alice Jean “Jacobs” Bruce passed away on August 28th at the age of 83 at the Good Samaritan Society Village in Sioux Falls SD.

Rosary Services will be held at 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Home in Spearfish. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 3 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Alice was born in Elgin, ND on February 9th, 1943, to Alvin and Verna “Well” Jacobs of McIntosh, SD. She was the 4th oldest of nine children in the Jacobs home. Growing up on the ranch she developed a strong work ethic and took on every task to completion that followed her throughout her life. What she enjoyed most was working with horses and cattle. Just get out of her way and she would get the job done. She was known to take part in many practical jokes with her siblings, especially her older brother Melvin. Alice and her siblings attended country school until it’s closing in 1953, the Jacobs children rode horse to school which suited Alice very well as she had a love for horses all throughout her life. She graduated from McIntosh High School in 1961. Where she especially enjoyed Home Economics classes and received the Betty Crocker Homemaker Award, which she was very proud of.

Seeking a career in the legal world, she attended college in Bismark, ND where she completed courses that emphasized Secretarial Work and Business Law. She returned to McIntosh serving as a legal secretary for attorney Robert Tschetter. Alice met well respected local businessman and farmer, Donald Bruce. They were married in March 1963, and welcomed three children, Tracy, Monte, and Steve. She found great joy in celebrating holidays and creating countless memories with her family and guests. Her attention to detail and ability to make any meal into a memorable gathering will never be forgotten. Alice and Don both enjoyed auction sales where they acquired and restored antiques to decorate their beautiful home. She was well known for her fashion sense which allowed her personality to shine.

As Don and the children were involved in the farming operation Alice continued her career in law and was a supportive wife and mother at home. All the while she was involved in St. Bonaventure Church and community activities. In 1974, she served as Clerk Magistrate for the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.

After a lengthy illness Don passed away in 1982. Alice continued to live and work in McIntosh and raised her children as a single mother. In 1990, Alice moved to Spearfish, SD and became the Court Clerk-Magistrate for Lawrence County. In the past, if you have ever been sued or jailed in Lawrence County chances are Alice Bruce has filled a significant role in your case. Alice and her girls managed hundreds of cases every year.

Alice spent a total of 34 years in the legal system with more than 18 in Deadwood. She served on many State of South Dakota committees during her years of employment including the development of the Unified Judicial System’s first case management system. She has been a source of information for not only her own office but for other clerks within the Fourth Circuit and across the State.

In 1990, a devastating courthouse flood in Deadwood threatened to ruin records dating back to the 1800’s and before. Alice was responsible for rescuing and preserving early Dakota Territory History. By implementing an automative system to bring these historical files back to life. Alice retired in 2008 to pursue other interests. She was not one to set idle. Alice left behind a legacy that was hard to follow. She will be greatly missed.

Alice is survived by her son, Steve (Stacey) grandchildren Allyson, Logan; son, Monte (Sally) grandchildren Lyndsey (Chayce) Weaver; son-in-law, Marc Monier grandchildren Luc and Emily (Ronnie) Ausdemore and great-granddaughter, Quinn; sisters Deann Tshcheter, Maryann Kane, Linda (Robert) Hilsendager, Jody (Wiley) Meyer, Vickie (Myron) Volk and brother Larry (Lyla) Jacobs; in-laws, Shari Jacobs, Bernie Jacobs, Richard Bruce, Burton Miller and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Don; daughter Tracy Bruce Monier; brothers Roger and Melvin; in-laws, Marion and Elvira Bruce; brothers-in-law Bob Tshcetter and John Kane; sisters-in-law Mary Bruce, Maryann Miller and numerous nieces and nephews.