of Chelsea, Michigan, age 88, died on Monday, September 26, 2022. She was born November 11, 1933, in Bangor, Michigan, the daughter of Louis Blake and Evelyn (Root) Bregger.
Alice attended Bangor Schools with her two brothers, Don and Allan, and two sisters, Doris Finn and Lois Verdonk, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Bangor High School in 1951. Alice earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Education, a master’s degree from EMU, and in later years, a specialist degree from the University of Michigan. Continuing education was a focus for Alice. She was always attending summits, conventions, meetings, and outreach classes.
Alice taught 8th grade science at Beach Middle School in Chelsea, for 32 years. She loved teaching, her students, and focused on environmental education. In the late 1960's, with Department Head, Don Young, she designed and developed the Nature Center just south of Beach Middle School. In 1976, she received the Michigan United Conservation Club’s Educator of the Year award, presented by then Governor, William G. Milliken. She was also the recipient of the Michigan Science Teacher of the Year award.
Alice belonged to the Unitarian Church and was a lifelong member of MUCC and the National Wildlife Federation. She worked with MUCC to pass the Bottle Bill in Michigan.
Alice and Ray loved to travel, covering much of the United States, Canada, Europe, and even Australia and New Zealand. She was always one to take pictures and bring back neat pieces of nature to share with her students.
In 1955, Alice married John Raymond Steinbach, who preceded her in death on September 25, 2020. She is survived by two sons, Victor (Shari) Steinbach of Allendale, Dave (Shannon) Steinbach of Gregory; four grandchildren, Sean Steinbach, Tracy Steinbach, Erin Huedepohl, and Amy (Tyler) Pyke; as well as three great-grandchildren, McKinley, Harper, and Halston.
Celebration of life gathering with lunch will be held at the Chelsea Rod and Gun on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 12:30 to 3:00. Alice will be buried in the Oak Grove East Cemetery, Chelsea, Michigan, alongside Ray and his parents. Memorial contributions may be made to the MUCC Camp for Kids, https://mucc.org/youth/.
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