Alyce Gibson

Alyce Jeannine Falconer Gibson was born in Brainerd, MN on December 24, 1928, to Archie and Pearl Falconer.

Alyce attended school in the Brainerd Public School system graduating in 1945. She attended Brainerd Junior College where she received her associate's in arts degree. She received her bachelor’s in arts degree from Macalester College, her Library Science certification and Master Education Degree from Bemidji State University. 

Alyce married Jack Gibson on July 1, 1950, at First Presbyterian Church in Brainerd. Jack and Alyce had known each other since birth, growing up just blocks apart. They spent 63 years building a life together in Cass Lake until 1998 and then back to Baxter before his passing in 2013.

Alyce spent 32 years in education as a teacher and librarian working at Long Prairie Junior High, Laporte High School, Grand Rapids High School, Bemidji State University, and Cass Lake High School. She was the librarian, English and Social Studies teacher that all the kids loved, and other teachers respected. She retired as a Media Specialist from Cass Lake High School in 1988. 

After a distinguished and rewarding teaching career and a move to Baxter, she became a volunteer at Riverside Elementary where she continued her love for children, reading, and education. Scores of adults that were Riverside third graders remember their time reading with Mrs. Gibson particularly Mr. Popper's Penguins and learning a rhyming way to spell Timberwolves players names.

Alyce received three awards in her career that meant a lot to her. She was given an Outstanding Teacher of the Year 1949 - 50 award after being nominated by her students at Long Prairie. She and her husband Jack were named Crow Wing County Volunteer of the month in June 1999. Alyce received the OLE Outstanding Senior Layperson in Education in Brainerd 2004. 

Alyce was an Amateur Radio Operator with the call sign, KB0MSO along with Jack as KB0JUX. During her education career, she was active in the MN School Library Association, the Professional teacher’s organizations and other related educational organizations . She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, belonging to the Trinity Lutheran Church of Cass Lake and the First Lutheran Church of Brainerd.

Alyce’s passions were her family, reading, crosswords, kids, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. She would keep the statistics during every televised game. She also loved the visits with her neighbors on Scenic River Drive and never missed an episode of Jeopardy.

Alyce enjoyed people and interacting with them in varied situations. Becoming a grandmother was a special treat and she made sure everyone knew of this exceptional gift. Her grandchildren loved their feisty grandma that was optimistic and lived in the moment. They also appreciated her support and encouragement in advancing their educations.

She is survived by her sons Greg L. Gibson of Brooklyn Park, MN. and Scott Gibson of Paynesville, MN: Daughter Jeannine Gibson and her Husband Mike Fechko and their children Zachary Fechko and Victoria (Tori) Fechko of Sammamish, WA. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN. There will be a visitation held one hour prior to the service. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter