Arlene M. Hotchkiss, 85, of Huron and formerly of Alpena, passed away Monday, Oct. 2, 2017, at her residence in Huron with family by her side.
Her funeral service was Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Alpena Community Center with burial following in the Rest Haven Cemetery in Alpena. Visitation with a 7 p.m. prayer service was Wednesday, Oct. 4, at the Welter Funeral Home in Huron.
Arlene was born Aug. 19, 1932, in Huron to Theodore and Ruth W. (Hilgeman) Schaffer. She attended school and graduated from high school in Alpena.
She was united in marriage to Gerald “Smiley” Hotchkiss on Aug. 27, 1950, at the American Lutheran Church in Huron. Together, they owned and operated the G&G Recreation Bar and Grill in Alpena for 20 years.
Arlene enjoyed crocheting, reading, puzzle books, and playing cards. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was a member of the Alpena American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hat Society and United Methodist Church in Alpena.
Arlene is survived by two sons, Jeff (Pat) Hotchkiss of Woonsocket, and Larry Hotchkiss of Huron; three daughters, Rosie (Bob) Haibeck of Alpena, Katie (Les) McKinney of Sioux Falls, and Sue (Craig) Thesenvitz of Huron; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Maxine Mastin and Connie Crandall, both of Rapid City; four sisters-in-law, DeSchaffer of Brandon, Joyce (Gilbert) Hotchkiss of Alpena, Joyce Mees of Alpena, and Evonne Johnson of Sioux Falls; and one brother-in-law, Kenny Doran of Pierre.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald on Sept. 7, 2013; and six brothers, Allen, Leonard, LeRoy, Arnold, Vernon, and Lloyd Schaffer in infancy.