Arlene M. Schroepfer, age 95 of Sleepy Eye, died on August 6, 2023, at Divine Providence in Sleepy Eye. A visitation will be held Friday, August 11, 2023, at 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church-North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s with Father Mark Steffl officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. Interment will be at New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Sturm Funeral Home, Sleepy Eye Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Arlene Marie (Altenburg) Schroepfer, the daughter of Alex and Hildegard (Zangel) Altenburg, was born on the family farm in Brown County on March 2, 1928. She attended country school through the 6th grade and attended Holy Trinity School in New Ulm through the 8th grade. Arlene married the love of her life, Jerome “Jerry” Schroepfer, on November 25, 1953. This union was blessed with three children, Carol, Ronald, and Steven. Arlene and Jerry raised their family in Sleepy Eye with Arlene enjoying her roles as wife and mother.
Once her children were older, she began working at St. Mary’s Catholic School where she was tasked with baking 500 delicious cookies daily. After 19 years, Arlene retired from the school. In addition, Arlene spent many years helping her brothers and father on the farm, bringing her children to help on a weekly basis. She loved flower and vegetable gardening, polka music and playing cards – 500 with a monthly card club, and cribbage with her family. The Minnesota Twins and just about any game show could be found on her TV. As a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Arlene was in the “M” section of the Council of Catholic Women.
A bit feisty, some would say strong-willed, and definitely witty, Arlene leaves a legacy of kindness which she generously shared with others. Her daily phone calls, humor, and unique one-liners will be greatly missed.
Arlene is survived by her children, Carol Schroepfer of Mahtomedi, MN, Ronald (Karen) Schroepfer of Brooklyn Park, MN, and Steven (Karen) Schroepfer of Waite Park, MN; grandchildren, Jared Schroepfer and Cali Schroepfer; sisters-in-law, Gloria Altenburg and Pearl Schroepfer; and other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Schroepfer; parents; and two brothers, Florian and John Altenburg.