Service Information
Arle W. Schlecht, age 91, formerly of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Willows of Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at a later date.
Obituary
Arle was born in Fredonia, North Dakota on October 4, 1933 to Jacob and Esther Schlecht. At a young age, Arle and his mother and siblings moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota where they attended school. Arle then went back to Kulm High School (North Dakota) to finish out his education and on August 26, 1951 married Norma Young from Merricourt, North Dakota and enjoyed 73 years of marriage.
While in Aberdeen, Arle and Norma brought 2 children into their lives, Arlie Jr. and Virginia “Ginny”. Shortly after, the family moved to Willmar, Minnesota where Arle owned and operated Arle’s Sinclair. During this time their third child, Lane, was born. After the birth of Lane, the family then moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, where Arle was offered a Service Manager position at Plowman Motors, Inc. (Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealership). In 1974, Arle took a Vice President position at Crow River Motors (Dodge, Chrysler, Plymouth dealership) and then returned to Plowman’s a couple years later as Vice President and eventually Co-Owner of Plowman’s until his retirement.
Arle was active in the community, serving on the board of Marquette Bank as well as the board of his church (First Congregational United Church of Christ, which became New Journey). He advanced through multiple levels of the Masons and in 1969 was one of the first individuals responsible for the beginning of the Hutchinson Elks Lodge; a charter member and soon served as the chapter’s second Exalted Ruler.
He bowled for years, then turned to golf, which he grew to love. Yearly trips to California, Arizona, and Nevada in the winter to visit family members and golf became his ritual when he decided to retire. He also loved golfing with his friends at the Crow River Country Club, which was pretty much a daily occurrence, since they lived only a block away. When not golfing, he kept busy with a beautiful yard, making sure the birds and other backyard creatures were well fed.
Arle is preceded in death by his father Jacob Schlecht, his mother Esther McKenny, brothers Larry Schlecht and Norbert Schlecht, sister Dorothy Nelson, and brothers-in-law Richard Nelson and Carl Harbuck.
He is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Ginny Zeyer, sons Arlie Jr. (Kathleen) and Lane (Donna), and sister Marilyn Harbuck. He is also survived by his grandchildren: John Charles Zeyer (Ann), Lindsay Zeyer, Matthew Schlecht, Samantha Jergenson (Troy), Mackenzie Childress (Chris), Shawn Johansen (Kayla), Tyler Johansen, Stephanie Fratzke (Jason), Amber Brick (Jesse), Cassandra Medinger; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Blessed is his memory.
Donna (Ondracek) Engelen says
My sympathies to the Schlecht family.
Ron and Mary Holtz says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Arle’s family. Many memories of life at Plowman’s Ford dealership with Arle and the rest of the crew. Lots of sunny days on the golf course with Arle as well. Even a visit to Arle and Norma’s place to golf and in Palm Springs and enjoy site seeing. We are blessed to have had Arle as a friend.
Ronald Kalenberg says
Arle, I was just thinking about you the other day. I really enjoyed working with you on the church board. Enjoyed the conversation and the comradery. You we’re a good man. RIP Buddy.
Jeff Linden & Lori Palmer says
Our sympathies to you Lane & Donna. You can be comforted that Arlie now gets to enjoy the great golf courses in heaven.
John & Cindy Mons says
Many fond memories of Arle joining me many years ago in the early morning hours “on the air” at KDUZ & KARP. He was always a pleasure to visit with. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schlecht Family. Peace be with you!
Suzi (Stritesky) Swarthout says
Ginny, my sympathy to you and your family.
Lori and Brian Kaping says
Our sympathies
Mike Connor says
Just learned of Arle’s passing today….my sympathy to Norma and all of Arle’s family….I had the opportunity to work with Norma at JCP in Hutch all the year spent there and the greatest privilege of all to work with Arle and all the others who became the Charter members of Hutchinson Lodge #2427 in November 1969…..Arle was the driving force that made it happen, attending every organizational meeting we held from the spring of ’69 until we chartered. Then there were the times he was there to help me out in a bind with my car in the service department at Plowman’s. Most of all Arle was a mentor to me, did not realize it then, but know it now. Arle was truly an ‘American Gentleman’….may he rest in peace~~~
Mike Connor
Patricia Docken says
Mike and I want to send our sympathies and love to Norma and Arles family and friends. Many years of golf and friendship. Arle always had that look in his eye. Such great times. A wonderful man. He will be missed. Hugs, Mike and Pat Docken