(1922-2026)

Alyce Ann (Lowe) Klema passed away on May 18, 2026, at Wilson Care & Rehab in Wilson, Kan. She lived a remarkable life spanning 103 years. Alyce was born on Nov. 28, 1922, to Harvey and Bessie Lowe as the youngest of four children. She grew up in Topeka, Kan., and graduated from Topeka High School in 1940. She continued her education at Kansas State University, earning her degree in 1944. While attending K-State, Alyce met Gerald “Jerry” Klema. The couple was united in marriage on Dec. 11, 1943, in Manhattan, Kan., during one of Jerry’s short Army leaves while serving in World War II. Following Jerry’s military service, they made their home in Wilson, where together they raised six children and operated Klema IGA and Wilson Recreation Center. Alyce co-managed the recreation center and cafe, where she became known for her kindness and encouragement to the many young people who worked there. She treated them like family and helped countless youth gain experience through their first jobs.

Alyce was deeply involved in her community. She served as a Girl Scout leader, taught Czech dancing and was an active member of several organizations, including a bridge club, Sorosis Club, Mother’s Club and the American Legion Auxiliary. In a 1953 letter, Alyce fondly wrote of the Mother’s Club, which included 18 members and 54 children, recalling their large family picnics where the children especially loved the gatherings. An avid bowler, Alyce continued bowling weekly well into her early 90s. In 1998, Alyce and Jerry were honored as grand marshals of the Czech Festival. She was a devoted member of Excelsior Lutheran Church. Alyce also enjoyed sewing, creating many things for her children through the years and collecting elephants. Since 2020, she had been a resident of Wilson Care & Rehab.

Alyce is survived by her six children, Susan (Bill) Tidball, Beach, N.D.; Jim (Carol) Klema, Beloit, Kan.; Joyce (Gary) Kraus, Wilson; Sharyl ( Jerry) Reynard, Manhattan; Dave Klema, Wilson; and Dan (Susan) Klema, Windsor, Colo. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Rob (Hallie) Tidball, Denver (Bobbie) Tidball, Jennifer (Gary) Evans, Andrew Tidball, Blake (Lindsay) Klema, Alicia Miller, Mel (Tyler) Campbell and Alex (Taylor) Hickey; stepgrandchildren Jay and Robb Reynard and Kim Leupold; seven great-grandchildren: Regan and Riley Evans, Leah, Bowe, Hannah and Cole Klema and Jemma Campbell; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage; her parents; brother Nelson Lowe; sisters Marie Fluitt and Pearl Mitchell; and grandsons Adam Klema and David Miller.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Excelsior Lutheran Church, the country church located at 9th Road and Avenue C, rural Wilson. Burial will follow at the church cemetery, with a luncheon afterward at the American Legion in Wilson. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home in Wilson.

Memorials are suggested to The Lighted Cross Fund and American Legion #262 and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, P.O. Box 533, Wilson, KS 67490.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.plumeroverlease.com.