Alice Determan

Alice Louise (VanDorpe) Determan, 93, died peacefully of natural causes in her St. Peter home on April 2, 2016 surrounded by her children.

Alice was born in Minneota, MN on December 27, 1922. She married Norbert Determan in 1945 and had six children. The couple lived in Southwest MN before moving to St. Peter in 1956. Alice and her family lived in Cheyenne, WY from 1971-72 operating a downhill ski factory before moving back to St. Peter where she resided for the rest of her life.

During her time as a St. Peter resident, Alice worked at the Rolling Pin Bakery and South Elementary. She and her husband also operated the “Commercial Cab Company” in St. Peter for 16 years. Later in life, Alice volunteered at Kids Corner where she was known as “Grandma Alice”.

Alice enjoyed baking and cooking for her family, playing cards, reading, embroidering, holding her grandchildren, and hosting visitors. She was devout in her faith and famous for her Belgian waffle cookies (although some would claim the molasses were better!).

Alice is survived by her daughter, Sharon Cooke of St. Peter; son, Ken Determan and wife, Michele, of Mankato, MN; son, Don Determan and wife, Judy, of Slayton, MN; daughter, Marian Ferretti Determan of St. Peter; son, Dale Determan and wife, Julie, of Henderson, MN; daughter, Angela Bray and husband, Harold, of Marshall, TX; Siblings:, Andrew VanDorpe of Fargo, ND; Vincent VanDorpe of Glencoe, MN;and Genevive Almann of Marshall, MN. Alice also leaves 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Alice was preceded in death by her parents: Camiel and Alma (Bjerkestrand) VanDorpe; husband, Norbert Determan; sisters, Dolores Sussener and Bernice Fry; and brother, Ray VanDorpe.

A funeral service will be held for Alice at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the Church of St. Peter with visitation from 9-11 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter, MN. Memorial gifts may be made to Mayo Clinic Hospice or donor’s choice. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Special thanks to the Mayo Clinic Hospice “East Team” and Alice’s children for keeping her comfortable in her home.

Alice was a cheerful, caring, and gracious woman who enjoyed entertaining a house full of loved ones until her final days. We love you, Grandma Alice.