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Welcome to the memorial page for

Alice Marie Wutschel

October 23, 1920 ~ April 29, 2017 (age 96) 96 Years Old


Born on October 23, 1920 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Alice was reunited in Heaven with her parents, Arno and Grace Schwenke, brother John, and husband Merlin Wutschel on April 29, 2017. After graduating from Holy Angels High School in Milwaukee, Alice received her B.A. in ‘42 from Marquette University, worked at the Milwaukee Journal, taught in the Milwaukee public school system, served as Assistant Dean of Women at Marquette, and married Merlin - all while earning her Master of Arts in ‘49. In addition to her employment outside the home, Alice began the truly hard labors of raising her family of six. In 1961, Merle and Alice moved their brood to Asheville, NC. Alice continued her life-long love of learning and education as a teacher at St. Eugene’s, then as first Dean of Women at UNC Asheville, progressing to Associate Dean of Students (with Special Responsibility for Women) and Director of Alumni Affairs & Community Relations and Director of Continuing Education. Alice was an avid reader, debater, competitive bridge player, supporter of human rights, encourager of each individual’s talents and skills, promoter of women’s issues, dedicated to spreading hope and love. A true listener, Alice exhibited unbelievable patience and empathy, while dispensing nuggets of “mother knows best” wisdom. Alice was always progressive in ideas and actions, with strong values and convictions. Alice believed in living her faith by making the world a better place through each interaction and cultivated positive personal relationships. Always proper in appearance and decorum, Alice exuded a unique style and flair with such enthusiasm it could seem intimidating. Alice could accept the mantle of “one tough broad” as a compliment and then correct someone for using lady instead of woman. Likewise, she never felt comfortable without her preferred accessory – earrings! Alice was active in many community groups, including Business and Professional Women’s Club, League of Women Voters, Asheville Garden Club and American Association of University Women. Alice never knew a stranger and valued everyone she met. She was so grateful to have long-time friendships with Lauretta, Julie, Lynn, Laurie, Margaret and Pat among many others. Alice Wutschel will be remembered for her full life, constant encouragement and unconditional love by her children: Anne Marie, John, Jim, Mary, Liz, Peter – each proudly proclaimed as her “favorite”; their spouses: Chuck, JoAnn, Joe, Martha; grand-children: Tara, Tricia, Brian, Kristin, Erin, Scott, Kaitlin, Emma, Alex, Abbie, Lexi, Mark; their spouses: Aya, Josh, Paul, Michael; great grand-children: Grace, Addison, Aidan, Liam, Ewan, Colin; extended family Mary Jill & John, Patrick & Laureen, Nancy, Marilyn, Virginia; wonderful caregivers Katrina, Amber, Vicky, Debbie and Jeanne. We are forever thankful. While Alice enjoyed all flowers, for those inclined, she and the family would appreciate donations be made to the UNC-A Foundation in honor of Alice Wutschel (UNC-Asheville Foundation Inc. CPO# 3800 1 University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804 or CarePartners Hospice (CarePartners Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville 28813). A special mass will be held Friday May 19th at 1pm at St. Eugene’s Catholic Church followed by a reception at the church at 2pm.


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