Arlene June Fahrenkamp, age 87, of Jordan, MN, was welcomed home by her Lord on February 24, 2023.
A Christian Funeral will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 11 AM, with a visitation from 9-10:45 AM, at St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 100 West Sixth Avenue, Jordan. Pastor Jeremy Glowicki will preside, with grandchildren as pallbearers, Matt, Sam, P.J., Aaron, Stephanie, Sarah, Kayla, Rachel, and Kristin. Arlene will be laid to rest at Spirit Hill Cemetery, in Jordan.
It was on the family farm in Blakely, MN, Martin and Frieda (Krueger) Schmidt welcomed their first child, Arlene born on June 1, 1935. She eventually became the big sister to her brother Maynard and together with their parents, the family worked hard making a life and memories on the farm. Arlene attended a country school through the Eighth Grade. Needing to return to the farm to help her parents and neighboring farm families, she continued a lifelong friendship with her teachers.
Life on the farm meant hard work, long hours, determination and being committed. Arlene took these values instilled in her as a young girl and lived an amazing life. Through mutual friends, while at a dance at Carver Pavilion, Arlene was introduced to Waldo Fahrenkamp. Their love story began and on April 21, 1955, at St. John Lutheran Church, in Belle Plaine, MN, Arlene and Waldo wedded. The newlyweds formed their roots on Waldo’s family farm, on the hill, in rural Shakopee, MN. Here, Arlene and Waldo raised their children, Daryl, Lois, Deb, JoAnn and Bruce. Unfortunately, the family had to experience the loss of a child and sister, Bonnie who was just a toddler. Arlene never forgot her baby girl!
The farm property known to most in the community as Fahrenkamp’s Hill, provided many great adventures for Arlene and Waldo. Early on, they worked countless hours side by side as a family, raising animals, tending to the crops, and building a life together. Through the years, the property provided multiple homes for the family, built with love by Waldo. Arlene was an amazing homemaker. From Spring until Fall, she could be found in the vegetable garden nurturing the tender plants and fruit trees, followed by long hours in the kitchen canning and baking the fruits of her labors. Arlene was always busy. She worked for many years cleaning homes, and in the process developed close friendships with these families.
As a couple, Arlene and Waldo loved to travel. They were fortunate to visit all 50 states, explore the territories of Canada and see the sights of Germany and Mexico. Arlene and Waldo’s favorite destination was visiting friends in Florida. They also had many excursions camping through the years with family and friends. Arlene and Waldo liked participating in couples and individual bowling leagues. They were true shepherds of the Lord. Arlene and Waldo sang in the choir together, along with her teaching Sunday School and involved with the Ladies Aide.
Arlene had one mission in life…providing a good life filled with food and unconditional love for her family. Arlene’s door was always open. She greeted you with a joyful smile, a heartwarming giggle and treated you with affection. This affection was also felt through the many cards Arlene sent through the years and of embroidery and needle work given as gifts. Life was enriched becoming a grandma and eventually a great grandma. She loved being active in their lives and was always willing to care for them. For Arlene…life was good, and she now rests with the Lord!
Forever loved, Arlene will be forever missed by loving husband of 67 years, Waldo; children, Daryl (friend Mary Jo) Fahrenkamp, Lois (Neil) Zimmerman, Deb (Wayde) Santama, JoAnn (Ken) Sindelar, Bruce (Kathy) Fahrenkamp; grandchildren, P.J. (fiancée Stephanie Corder) Zimmerman, Kristin (fiancé Russ Corl) Santama, Aaron (Leah) Santama, Kayla (friend, Eric Nicholas) Santama, Matt (Dianna) Sindelar, Sam Sindelar, Rachel Sindelar, Stephanie (Tim) Underwood, Sarah (Mike) Ruff; great grandchildren, Kayden Santama, Will Santama, Jordan Santama, Madison Santama, Edwin Sindelar, Brynlee Ruff and 2 babies on the way; brother, Maynard Schmidt; other relatives and friends. Greeting her home in Heaven is her daughter, Bonnie; parents, Martin and Frieda; and sister-in-law, Ruth Schmidt.
