Alyce Marie Mealey

Alyce Marie (Hallenberg) Mealey, 98, passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on January 12, 2025 in Rochester, MN. She was born on November 25, 1926 in St. Paul, MN to Carl and Esther (Peterson) Hallenberg. As a child, Alyce loved spending time with her family and high school girlfriends and enjoyed participating in school clubs.

Alyce “Dusty” Hallenberg met her future husband Tom “Tick” Mealey at the wedding of mutual friends when they were both students at Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis. They married on October 8, 1949. Dusty and Tick moved several times throughout their lives, living in Houghton, MI, Watertown, WI, Minneapolis, MN, and the towns of Sauk Center, St. Cloud, Hutchinson, and Owatonna, MN. They had five children.

Alyce was a dedicated and loving mother. She deeply enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Granny.” Her bubbly personality, encouraging spirit, and caring heart will be missed by family and friends alike.

She loved hosting parties, playing cards with her Bridge and 500 clubs, solving crossword puzzles, gardening, organizing school and scout activities, travel, and of course singing, playing piano, and performing. Though she cherished being the center of attention, she equally adored showering others with attention! She was famous for being supportive and encouraging. She proudly received her “10 Gallon Pin” through Red Cross blood donations. In recent years, Alyce greatly enjoyed car rides with her daughter in the countryside!

Alyce served as First Lady of St. Cloud, MN from 1960 to 1964 while her husband Tom was Mayor. She was involved with, and at times organized, several singing groups including the B Naturals, Hillbilly Honeys, Sweet Adelines, Ginger Snaps, and Golden Tones. As a young woman, she was active with the Mrs. Jaycees and served as President, local St. Cloud in 1960, and Vice President, State of Minnesota in 1964. She was Co-Chairman of Minnesota’s first Babysitting Club.

Alyce gave 100% effort to every job she held throughout her life and spent many volunteer hours working with the March of Dimes and other charities. Alyce was a remarkable leader whose dedication and compassion touched the lives of many, guiding them with wisdom, kindness, and inspiration.

Alyce leaves for heaven to join her husband Tom, daughter Shari, parents Carl and Esther, and her three sisters Milly, Ethel, and Ruth. She is survived by children David (and Jane), Bruce (and Chizuru), Rebecca, and Richard (and Yoko); six grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends.

She lived by the words of Hebrews 13:2, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” She always welcomed others with open arms and kindness.

The family wishes to express appreciation to the hospice staff for their excellent care and guidance.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:00 pm on April 26, 2025 at Crosswinds Church, 8106 31st Ave, Oronoco, MN 55960. Memorial donations in Alyce Mealey’s memory may be made to Mukusu Scholarship Program. (www.mukusu.com)