Arlene Guericke
Arlene Guericke, 82, of Mitchell, SD, died Saturday, November 21, 2020 at Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family ceremony will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, November 27, at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell. Following the funeral service, burial will be at 3:00 PM, at Servicemen’s Memorial Cemetery in Mitchell and is open to the public. A live-stream of the funeral service may be viewed at: www.zionmitchell.org. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.
On October 20, 1938, Arlene was born on a farm near Tripp, SD, to Emanuel and Alma (Renner) Stoebner. She was baptized and confirmed at Friendens Reformed Church, Tripp. Arlene was raised on the farm near Tripp and attended rural Union District #77 School and Tripp High School.
On February 17, 1957, Arlene was united in marriage to Arthur Guericke and to this union, three children were born. Alrene raised her children on the family farm south of Alexandria and brought them up in a strong Christian faith. They retired in 1992.
Arlene was an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Clayton, where she served as Sunday school secretary for many years, as well as serving as the Ladies Aid president, and Sunday school and vacation bible school teacher. After retiring, Arlene and Art joined Zion Lutheran Church, Mitchell.
Arlene dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, and reading. Her famous dill pickles were enjoyed by many. She was also known for her homemade caramel rolls, bread, kuchen, and borsch soup.
Arlene is survived by her children: Daniel (Jane) Guericke, White Lake; Douglas (Janelle) Guericke, Alexandria; and David Guericke, Alexandria; grandchildren: Mark Guericke (Melinda Krumvieda), White Lake; Laura (Garret) Bergeleen, Wessington Springs; Jill (Nick) Rolfsmeier, Rapid City; Nicole (Michael) Lewis, Orange City, IA; Ryan Guericke (Tessa Hertel), Ethan; and Megan Guericke (Derek Pedersen), Alexandria; great-grandchildren: Shae, Karl, and Archer Bergeleen, Wessington Springs; Sophie Lewis, Orange City, IA; siblings: Leona (Jim) Meyer, Parkston; Elton (Diane) Stoebner, Tripp; sisters-in-law, Alice Holzworth, Parker and Lena Winter, Mitchell; brother-in-law, Gilbert (Carol) Guericke, Las Vegas, NV.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; mother- and father-in-law, Arthur Sr. and Alice Guericke; stepmother-in-law, Justina Guericke; siblings, infant sister and Adeline Nordseth; and in-laws: Wilhem Guericke, John Holzworth, Roland and Alma Preszler, Maynard Winter, and Eldon Guericke.
Arlene fought the good fight; she finished the race; she kept the faith. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials for Main Street Living, an organization that Arlene loved.