Alice Claggett

Dates

Obituary

Alice Claggett, 97, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Avera Brady Health and Rehab in Mitchell. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, October 6, at First United Methodist Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church.

Alice Meyer Claggett was born on May 10, 1928, at home in Agar, Minnesota, to Peter and Elizabeth Meyer. She had resided in Mitchell since 1966. She was the second youngest of 14 siblings. Alice grew up happily on the family farm, where German was the primary language and there were many pets, chores, brothers, and sisters to be tended and cared for. Thus began a long and productive life of caring for others.

Alice attended high school and lived in Little Falls, Minnesota, supporting herself as a waitress. She was the high school Majorette and entertained her children later in life by lighting the steel baton on fire and throwing it over her head, and catching it. She has worked throughout her life and valued education, obtaining a high school degree, Practical Nursing degree from Franklin School of Nursing in Minneapolis and at age 49 began at Dakota Wesleyan University graduating with a BA Social Work degree with emphasis on Gerontology, leading to one of her most passionate occupation of 15 years as Activities Director and then Director of the Senior Center in Mitchell.

Alice was a chronic volunteer throughout life, focusing on the many activities of her seven children, and had a special affinity for senior citizens. She was a leader of both Boy and Girl Scouts, with her Girl Scout Troop being state cookie selling champions for several years running. Church activities and school PTA events also kept her busy while working full-time in healthcare.

Some of the groups she was an active member in include Eastern Star, AARP, Mitchell Women's Bowling Association, Mitchell Lion's Club, Mitchell Kiwanis Club, Instructor of 55 and Alive Driving Program, Friends of the Middle Border Museum, Triad, Election Boards, Shrine Circus Volunteer (best cotton candy maker ever) RSVP Patrol (where she asked to carry a weapon and was fortunately denied repeatedly) Kids Voting, International Training in Communications.

She received many awards, including the 2003 Diana Award, 2009 Honorary Parade Marshall,

2021 AARP State Award, 2000 SD Elder Volunteer of the Year, 2002 Municipal Government Award for Excellence (presented by her favorite Governor and friend, Bill Janklow).

Alice was a leader in the Mother's March, Cancer Drive, Easter Seals, March of Dimes Walkathon Junior Bowler Instructor, President of Longfellow PTA, President of Women's Bowling Association, President of International Training in Communications, Shrine Circus Chair, Chair of Modern Woodmen Fund Raiser, Friends of the Midde Boarder, DWU Faculty Student President, League of Women Voters and Business and Professional Women.

Alice also found joy in playing bridge and pinochle, being a Fairy Godmother, painting at Wesley Acres (her home for many years) and Firesteel, baking and cooking for crowds of people, sewing, reading, and cheering for the Twins… no matter what.

Alice was involved in her community and an advocate for voting registration and political causes. In 1998, this interest in community drove her to successfully serve three terms as the Mayor of Mitchell (first and only woman Mayor). She loved her city staff as much as they loved her. While it is hard to pick out her favorite Mayoral duties, she did love stepping on buses and welcoming visitors to her city.

She loved making a difference in Mitchell, leading during the years of Cabela's and other major changes that moved the town forward. Her common sense and no-nonsense approach led to changes that focused on what was best for the average person, such as the aquatic center, new landfill, increase in taxable sales, drinkable water, and more affordable housing. She would point out she did not do this alone, but worked with the City Council, Mitchell Area Development, and others.

Alice is survived by her seven children: Ellen (Tom) Lee of Pierre; John (Linda) Claggett of Mitchell; Nancy Voigt of Mitchell; Dave (JoAnn) Claggett of Spearfish; Sue (Steve) Haiar of Mitchell; Paul (Cheri) Claggett of Mount Vernon; Rev. James (Jan) Claggett of Hooksett, NH., 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many friends and long suffering Twins fans.

She is preceded in death by her Granddaughter, Sara Claggett, her former husband, Joseph Claggett, and her siblings and parents.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to Love Feast at First United Methodist Church, Mitchell; Fairy Godmother Fund of South Dakota Community Foundation, her many organizations, or the charity of your choice.

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