Alyce Iverson

Alyce Rae Schelske was born on November 27th, 1955 to Edwin and Marlyn Schelske of Olivet, SD. The youngest of 3 children, she joined sisters Rose and Sue Schelske. She grew up in Olivet, SD where her mother operated a small cafe’ and her father was a handyman/mechanic. A typical teenager; she couldn’t wait to get out of the house and spend time with friends. And it was on one of these outings that she was introduced to her first husband, Arlo Preheim. They were united in marriage in 1973 and later that year their daughter, Nicole Rae was born. In 1978 they expanded their family once more with the birth of their son, Ezra Joe. Alyce stayed busy working as a bartender, raising her young children, and working the family farms.

Alyce often would prove that she was as tough as the rest; She was unlimited and strong willed by nature with a love for adventure. She started work with a local construction company near Yankton, SD where she met her second husband, Clyde (Junior) Iverson. They married and lived in Crofton, Nebraska. Shortly after, she started work at Sister James Nursing Home in Yankton and to pass the time, she worked part time at the Lazy D as a bartender. Alyce cared for people deeply, she could connect with anyone on a personal level, she found a love in tending to others. So eventually she found work at HSC in Yankton, and remained working there for several years.

In 1995 she met her final love, Larry Boomgaarden and she moved to Vermillion, SD where she found home for the remainder of her life. Larry and Alyce enjoyed boating and docking at the Yankton Marina where they made a home away from home. Many memories were made there, as well as friends. She began working at SESDAC in Vermillion where she eventually retired. After retirement, Alyce and Larry spent their quality time together planting and tending to their garden; always having a green thumb, she could grow just about anything in her garden and she was never afraid to get her hands dirty. She perfected cooking and canning food like no other, her kitchen, her homemade meals and jars of salsa and pickles will never be the same without her finishing touch. Alyce could find a deal, her idea of an outing was perusing the local thrift stores and shopping markets. She also developed a passion for adopting and rescuing cats. When it was time to relax: TV shows, movies, art, music, playing guitar, and singing were all her go-to activities. But spending time and talking with family and friends always brought the most joy to her days.

 Words cannot convey the impact Alyce has left on the people around her, both near and far. If you knew her, you had a friend for life and she always brought the bright side to your story. Honored to have shared her life, her family finds peace that she is no longer bound by the struggles of her earthly body. On September 14th, 2026, Alyce made her way into our heavenly father’s open arms due to ongoing complications from pneumonia and COPD.

She is survived by her significant other of 30 years, Larry Boomgaarden; Her son, Ezra (Marissa) Preheim; Step-Daughter, Nikki (Ben) Boomgaarden; Sisters, Rose and Sue Schelske; Grandchildren, Mackenzie Pine, Brien Martindale, Mercedes Preheim, Calvin Pine, and Izadore Preheim; Step-Grandchildren, Jhea Ella, Niklaus, Thor, and Holland Boomgaarden, and her mother in law- Mary Boomgaarden. Her three most precious Great-Grandchildren; Rose, Maeve, and Wylan who were all the shining lights of her life.

 Welcoming her through heavens open door is her beloved daughter and best friend Nicole Preheim-Pine; whom Alyce greatly missed after suffering her loss in 2025. As well as her parents, grandparents, and many friends.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date, Alyce requested to not have any official funeral services for herself. Condolences can be sent to P.O Box 514, Yankton SD, 57078 in care of Mercedes Preheim.