Alice Datema, 84, of Springfield, passed away July 18, 2022. She was born June 2, 1938 in Tinallinge, Netherlands to Hommo and Alice van Dijk Datema. She emigrated to the United States with her family in 1949. She graduated from Central Senior High School in 1956. She also received her Diploma in Nursing in 1956 from Burge Hospital School of Nursing. Alice then went on to attain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Drury College in 1960 and her Master of Science from the University of Colorado in 1967.

Alice worked at Burge Hospital in Springfield from 1956 – 1965 as a staff nurse and nursing instructor. She then worked from 1967 – 1982 as a staff nurse at the St. Anthony Hospital and Denver Veterans Administration Hospital and as a Professor of Nursing at Loretto Heights College and Metropolitan State College in Denver, CO. Alice founded Innovative Health at Home in Wheat Ridge, CO in 1983, retiring in 1998. After retirement, she enjoyed her motorhome travels, gardening and maintenance of her rental properties.

Alice spent from August 1973 – June 1998 in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps as staff nurse, critical care nurse, nurse training officer and chief nurse. In 1983 she was promoted to the grade of Colonel (O6). She received the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters and Certificate of Achievement.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Peter and Hank Datema; sister, Sue Datema Bos and an infant brother.

She is survived by brothers Cornelius (Shirley) and Ralph Datema and many loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and other close family and friends.

Graveside Service with Full Military Honors at 12:00 PM in Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Reception will follow at American Legion Post 639, 2660 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807.