Arlene Schopen, 84 of the Lead-Deadwood area, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the Rapid City Hospice House.

Arlene was born to Herman and Agnes (Fenner) Kettelhut in Deadwood, SD on April 20, 1932. In high school she attended Girl's State and graduated from Deadwood High School in 1950. She began the working phase of her life with the Klein Movie Theaters. Next, she worked at the First National Bank of the Black Hills in Lead and Deadwood. This later changed to the Wells Fargo Bank, where she worked until she retired in 1996.

Arlene married Ralph Schopen in 1961. After living in Lead and Deadwood, they built their dream house near Maitland. When Ralph died in 1981, Arlene chose to stay in their home and displayed a quiet, strong independence for the remainder of her life.

Arlene was a secretary for the Red Cross for several years and a member of Beta Sigma Phi International (XIPX). She was also a proud member of Grace Lutheran Church in Deadwood, often volunteering her time and talents.

Arlene is survived by three sisters, Lois Sorensen of Nemo, Betty (Cecil) Stoner of Rapid City and Shirley (Larry) Rounsevell of Nemo; sister-in-law, Delores Mattson of Spearfish; brother-in-law, Don Olson of Belle Fourche; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church in Deadwood. Burial will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to benefit Grace Lutheran Church.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Crematory Service of Spearfish.