Arlene Schipper

Arlene Marlys Schipper, 93, of Crookston, MN, passed away on October 10, 2025 at the Benedictine Living Community under the care of Hospice.

Arlene was born on August 8, 1932 in Fertile, Minnesota to Alfred P Johnson and Gladys Strand Johnson. Arlene graduated from the Country School of Mentor before attending the Bethesda Hospital School of Practical Nursing in 1950. Arlene married Bobby Jack Schipper on August 13, 1950 at Maple Lake Church in rural Mentor, Minnesota. Arlene worked at Bethesda Hospital in Crookston as well as the Jiffy Fry, but it was at the Polk County Correction Center in Crookston where she worked until her retirement.

Arlene was a devoted member of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Crookston. She was very active with many organizations, including the Red Hat Ladies and WELCA at St. Paul’s. She volunteered at church with Home Delivered Meals and drove cancer patients to their doctor’s appointments. Arlene always had a good, positive attitude and an adventurous spirit that was always up for anything at any time! She had a strong faith and a strong love of family. She loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren jet skiing around the lake.

Arlene is preceded in death by her husband Bobby Jack Schipper; parents Alfred Johnson and Gladys Strand Johnson and her step mother Adeline Johnson; brothers Gordon (Dorothy) Johnson, David Johnson, Darrel Johnson; sister Lois (DuWayne) Schultz, brother-in-law Billy Schipper; sisters-in-law Dorothy (Adolph) Demaris, Audrey (Clarence) DeLude, Ethel (Willis) Sondrol, Angela (Sonny) Beattie, Jackie (Alden) Burke and a son-in-law Robert Reetz.

Arlene is survived by her children, Diane Schnedler (Timothy Lehrer) of Minnetonka, MN, Bryan (Roberta) Schipper of Mentor, MN, Bruce Schipper of Crookston, MN, Danelle Reetz of Crookston, MN, and DeLynn (Paul) Hegre of Eagan, MN; grandchildren, Zac (Abby) Schnedler, Chloe Schipper, Abbey (Jordan) Machado, Benjamin Schipper (Breanna Smith), Miah (Jesse) Broderson; great-grandchildren, Isley Machado, Nieve Machado, Griffin Schnedler, Grayson Schnedler, Levi Schipper, Waylon Broderson, Isla Broderson, Remi Freedberg; brother, Wesley (Di) Johnson of Aloha, OR, Kevin (Janelle) Johnson of Portugal; sisters-in-law, Barbara Johnson of Grand Prairie, TX and Marvelyn Johnson of McIntosh, MN as well as many nieces and nephews

Arlene’s family will celebrate her life with a memorial service on Wednesday October 15, 2025, at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home beginning at 3:00 pm. Visitation will begin one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to HIA Hospice or St Paul’s Lutheran Church.