Alice Drotzmann

Alice Theresa Drotzmann, age 95, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Avera Sister James Care Center in Yankton.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM on Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Yankton with the Reverend Thi Pham officiating. Lunch will follow the service and burial will be at St Agnes-Sigel Cemetery in rural Utica, South Dakota. Visitation is from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, on Tuesday, January 28 at the Wintz & Ray Funeral Home in Yankton with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also continue one hour prior to the funeral, on Wednesday morning at St. Benedict Catholic Church.

The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/WintzRay.

Pallbearers are Jim Drotzmann, Steve Drotzmann, Howard Kathol, Luke Kathol, Deb Hanson, Dawn Turner, Rodney Drotzmann and Arnold Drotzmann.

Alice was born May 19, 1929 at home on the Drotzmann family farm north of Yankton, South Dakota to Fred and Frances (Kast) Drotzmann. She attended Kietzmann School until 4th grade when it was determined that she was unable to learn because of complications from a long childbirth delivery. Alice attended St. Agnes Catholic Church at Sigel, where she was baptized, received her First Communion and Confirmation. She continued to live on the farm helping with the chicken chores, walking down the driveway to get the mail, etc. In 1961, the family moved off the farm and into Yankton. In 1962, it was advised that Alice move to live at the Redfield Developmental Center in Redfield, South Dakota. In 1978, she moved back to Yankton and was one of the first seven residents at the Yankton Area Adjustment Training Center. Alice cleaned cabins out at the lake.

Alice was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where she attended the ERTH program on Saturdays and church on Sundays. She always had a rosary in her hand. When she decided to retire from the Yankton Area Adjustment Training Center, Alice attended The Alternative Program during the week. She kept very busy there doing crafts, ceramics, daily exercise, listening to music and other great activities. When she was not participating in the Alternative Program and relaxing at home, Alice enjoyed spending time with her friends, vacationing in the Black Hills, Minneapolis, camping trips to the river, boating, picnicking, eating out, bowling, playing bingo, shopping, attending concerts and plays, and participating in Special Olympics. Alice moved to the Avera Yankton Care Center in 2013 and later to Avera Sister James Care Center. She was always writing in her notebooks, coloring in her color books, looking through magazines, or had cards in her hands and playing cards.

Her family was very important. They would keep in touch with her and send lots of cards, letters, and pictures. They would take her out shopping and to eat. Alice especially loved it when they brought their little children to visit, as she loved little children. 

Alice is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Kathol of Yankton; brothers, Joe (Dorothy) Drotzmann of Ellensburg, WA and Harold (Mary) Drotzmann of Sgt. Bluff, IA; and sisters-in-law, Mildred Zimmerman and Cecelia Sorenson, both of Yankton; 30 nieces and nephews; 64 great nieces and great nephews; and 55 great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Dennis, John (Virginia), and Roman (Frances) Drotzmann; brother-in-law, Mark Kathol; great nephew, Bobby Drotzmann, and other extended family members.

In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to Ability Building Services, 909 W. 23rd St, Yankton, SD; Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund, 509 Capital St., Yankton, SD; The Center, 900 Whiting Dr., Yankton, SD; or a charity of your choice.