Arlene G Schaefer

Arlene Gladys (Frey) Schaefer, age 91 passed away peacefully at home with her family at her bedside and went home to the Lord on Saturday, March 25, 2023. 

Arlene G Schaefer's funeral video may be viewed at the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/JSWPmpbNQnY?feature=share 

She was born on February 7, 1932, at the Frey homestead by Tripp, SD to Emanuel and Louise Frey (Weisser).  Arlene was baptized and confirmed at Friedens Reformed Church.  She attended country school through the 8th grade at Lake Point School.  

Arlene was united in marriage to LaVern Schaefer on September 6, 1953, at Friedens Reformed Church.  They were married for 68 years.  They were blessed with 4 children.  Arlene was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a member of the Friedens Reformed Church.  She was a Scout Mom for Boys Scouts, Chapter Mom for FHA, an Honorary FHA Chapter Member and was in the Band Boosters while her children attended school.  Arlene and Elva Brosz catered for many events such as proms, weddings, banquets and anniversaries.  They were also janitors at the Legion Hall.  She also worked at the Dairy Haven and later at the Lunch Box as a cook.  Arlene worked at the Tripp Good Samaritan Center as a cook for 22 years until she retired.  After retirement, she continued to make kuchen on Good Friday for the residents.

Family was very important to Arlene.  She enjoyed the gatherings with family for birthdays, holidays, or just to get together.  She cherished spending time with her children, especially her grandson and great-grandchildren.  She really enjoyed last summer at Matt’s.  Especially the chickens!  She has always liked chickens since a child.  Arlene liked playing games, dominos, cards and going to Polka dances, listening to Polka music (especially Molly B on Saturday nights).  She also enjoyed watching Danny O’Donnell on Saturday nights.  Arlene loved to bake and cook.  She was known for her caramel rolls, kuchen and chicken & dumplings.  She was always willing to share her recipes and show you how to make anything (even the caramel popcorn balls).  She also kept busy gardening and canning (pickles were a treat for everyone in the family).  Arlene enjoyed quilting and made many quilts for her family and for gifts.

Arlene will be remembered by her children, Lila Schaefer, Watertown, SD, Allen Schaefer, Rapid City, SD, Marilyn (Tim) Fischer, Rapid City, SD and Barbara Schaefer, Watertown, SD; grandson, Matt Fischer (Alia Cota) Northwood, ND; great-grandchildren, Jordan Fischer, Nampa, ID, Kyle Fischer, Northwood, ND and Charlotte Cota, Northwood, ND and many nieces and nephews.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, LaVern Schaefer in 2022; parents, Emanuel and Louise Frey (Weisser); step-dad, Paul Weisser; father and mother-in-law, Simon and Alvina Schaefer;  sisters, Velda Mehlhaff and Shirley Bloch; brother, Harvey Weisser; sisters-in-law, Darlene Weisser, Vesta Nuss, Ione Schaefer and Velma Schaefer; special person to the family, Hazel Niemyck; brothers-in-law, Ruben Mehlhaff, Frank Bloch, Eugene Nuss, Gilbert Schaefer, Wilber Schaefer and Victor Schaefer; nephews, Wayne Odegaard, Roger Mehlhaff, Paul Saenz, Gregg Weisser and Wayne Nuss and great-nephew, Josh Odegaard.