Alice (Kunert) Michalewicz

We called her Mom, Mema, and Mimi. It was easy for anyone around her to feel an energy of love, devotion to the Lord, and to her family.

She was born in Kalisch, Poland, in February of 1930, to Wilhelm and Lydia Kunert. Alice had three older siblings. They were avid Lutherans and attended church regularly. During World War II, the Kunert's were separated, relocated to Germany, and then later reunited to live in the Osnabrück district of Germany.

It was there that in 1949, Alice met Victor Michalewicz and were married soon after. In 1950, they welcomed their first son, Jürgen "Don" Michalewicz in Bad Laer. The young family had dreams of a better life than what war-torn Europe could provide, knowing that their young son would need an education to have ample opportunity.

In 1956, the family was sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Newton Rayzor to embark on a new life in America on the Rayzor Ranch in Denton, Texas. It was 1958 when Alice was blessed with her youngest son, Harry. She became a United States citizen in the early 1960's. By this time, she was working as a seamstress for the Russell Newman clothing factory. She excelled at designing and making delicate garments and retired in the late 1980's.

Her work for the Lord over the years included church planting alongside her husband, as they helped established several churches in Denton and Lake Dallas. Alice loved to sing and would perform solos for church services. She was also a prolific gourmet cook and kept her loved ones well fed. After experiencing the atrocities of World War II, she never wanted anyone to be hungry ever. Many knew it was a faux pas to eat first before visiting. It was delightful to enjoy a meal or coffee hour with her. She would share stories of travel, culture, history, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Alice is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Harry and Judith Michalewicz, her daughter-in-law Frankie O'Neal, her sister Heddy Schlosser and sister-in-law Paula Bruhn, her grand-daughters Jessica Leatherwood and Allison Michalewicz, her great-grandchildren, Darian, Ashtyn, and Paityn Leatherwood. She was preceded in death by her husband, son, granddaughter, parents, and two brothers.

Alice lived an incredible life and her family and friends will deeply miss her presence.  There is unending gratitude and reassurance that she is resting gently in the arms of her Savior, Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to First Refuge Ministries, Denton Texas: https://firstrefugeministries.org/give .