Arlene R. Schmidt, of Prior Lake, went to her Heavenly home surrounded by family on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at the age of 95. She was a loving wife, mother and grandma and will be missed by all who knew her.
A Christian Funeral will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM with visitation two-hours prior at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (5634 Luther Road) in Prior Lake. Pastor Greg DeMuth will preside. Arlene’s grandsons will act as pallbearers, and her granddaughters are honorary pallbearers. Arlene will be laid to rest at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Prior Lake.
On October 11, 1928, Arlene Rosalia Brandt was born to parents Raymond and Viola (Schultz) Brandt. She was the middle of three children and loved growing up on the family farm. Arlene developed a strong work ethic on the family farm and loved all the animals. Arlene would frequently ride her favorite cow home from school.
In 1946, Arlene graduated from Jordan High School. Following school, she began working in St. Paul for the State Income Tax Department. During this time, a cousin set Arlene up on a blind date with Clarence “Butch” Schmidt. Arlene and Butch hit it off immediately, but Butch was deployed shortly after they met. The two exchanged letters for several years and began seriously dating upon his return.
Butch and Arlene exchanged wedding vows on May 21, 1949. Their marriage was blessed with many happy years and a beautiful family. They eventually settled in Prior Lake to raise their family. Early in their marriage, Arlene and Butch enjoyed fishing together. In 1975, they bought a cabin on Lake Villard. They spent lots of quality time together at the cabin over the years.
Arlene had many jobs throughout her life. She helped run Butch’s Appliance in downtown Prior Lake. She also worked at Control Data, Master Motive and Prior Lake High School.
Arlene was also involved in the church. She was a member of the LWML, was a member of the kitchen and funeral committee, and also did the altar guild. She also did Meals on Wheels.
In her spare time, Arlene was an avid card player. She would play any card game, but her favorites were 31, Flum, Cribbage and Chickenfoot. Arlene also enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and gardening. She was an accomplished cook and baker too. Everything she made was delicious! Arlene also loved watching Polka Spotlight, and she always tapped her foot along to the beat of the polka. Although she had many interests, the most important thing in her life was her family and faith. Arlene especially loved spending time with her grandkids and was blessed to babysit many of them over the years.
Arlene was a kind, compassionate, and loving woman. She had the biggest heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Arlene will be remembered always by her children, Steve (Pat) Schmidt, Curt Schmidt, Lyle Schmidt, Chris Berg, Jeff Schmidt and Lori (Dave) Heinz; grandchildren, Tony Schmidt, Caari (Chris) Dueffert, Ben (Vanessa) Schmidt, Jake (Melissa) Schmidt, Rich (Anne) Robinson, Andy (Michaela) Robinson, Carrie (Torey) Zehnder, Michael Berg, Rosalyn (Doug) Chromy, Bobby Schmidt, Nate (Kayla) Heinz and Jessica (Mike) Hartmann; 30 great-grandchildren; brother, Willard (Gwen) Brandt; other loving relatives and friends.
Arlene was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Clarence “Butch” Schmidt; daughter, Ann Louise Schmidt; grandson, Jon Schmidt; parents, Raymond & Viola Brandt; sister, Milda (Francis) Borchardt; son-in-law, Doug Berg, and other relatives and in laws.
