Arlene J. Schmidt, age 82, of Parkers Prairie, died Thursday, July 17, 2014, at St. Williams Living Center in Parkers Prairie.
Mass of the Christian Burial is 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 22, 2014, at St. William's Catholic Church in Parkers Prairie with Fr. Peter VanderWeyst and Fr. Herb Gappa officiating. Music will be provided by organist, Marilyn Lehmkuhl and Sacred Heart choir. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Urbank.
Visitation is 4-8 p.m., Monday at the church with parish prayers at 7 p.m. and the rosary to follow by the Urbank Christian Mothers. Music during the visitation will be provided by musicians Lee Arthur and David Koep. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arlene Josephine (Trisko) Schmidt was born April 9, 1932, to Ignatious and Anna Marie (Botzet) Trisko in Belle River Township, Douglas County, Minnesota. She was baptized, confirmed and married at St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Belle River. She graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1949, and continued on to Normal Training in Fergus Falls and later college at Moorhead State. Arlene was united in marriage to Gordon M. Schmidt on August 7, 1951. She taught in many one-room school houses, Sacred Heart Catholic School in Urbank, and at Parkers Prairie Elementary School for over 40 years. She also taught braille and was a religious teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years. Arlene was the President of Diocesan Board of Education for two terms. She taught C.C.D. classes for 23 years, was the Religion Ed Coordinator for two years, and helped start the Sacred Heart youth group. She was also the secretary of Otter Tail County D.A.C. Executive Board. She enjoyed singing in the church choir and was a lector at mass. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church for over 60 years. Arlene loved being outdoors. She had big vegetable and flower gardens and planted thousands of trees on the farm. She loved music and singing in harmony. She also enjoyed playing guitar, piano, and organ. She made delicious apple, pumpkin, and sour cream raisin pies. She was a good cook and baked wonderful bread and buns. The farm was her life, as was her love for all its animals especially, cats and dogs. Fishing was her passion. Arlene loved to spend time with family and friends and dearly loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her generous spirit and beautiful smile.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Minerva Schmidt; and infant brother, Roy Trisko.
Arlene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Gordon; daughter, Linda (Leon) Hoppe of Miltona; four sons, Michael Schmidt, Patrick Schmidt, Joseph Schmidt all of Parkers Prairie, and John Schmidt of Almora; nine grandchildren, Christine (friend, Shane) Schmidt, Gordie (Amanda) Schmidt, Sarah (Brent) Bernardy, Jake Hoppe, Andy Hoppe, Julie (friend, Lee) Schmidt, Christian Schmidt, James Schmidt, and Ezra Schmidt; eight great-grandchildren, Dustin, Joseph, Allisa, Trinity, Sophia, Havanna, Moses, and Parker; and many nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Gordon Schmidt Jr., Christian Schmidt, Jake Hoppe, Andy Hoppe, James Schmidt, and Gary Schmidt. Honorary pallbearers are all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are by Lind Family Funeral & Cremation Service,
www.lindfamilyfh.com
.