Arlene Anna (Thomsen) Kleinschmidt, 77, of Hillsboro, KS, died Saturday, December 11, 2021, in Hillsboro, KS.
She was born July 30, 1944, in Salina, the first child of Harold Thomsen and Lanora (Witte) Thomsen. Arlene grew up on the family farm near Shady Bend. A graduate of Beverly High School, she attended Kansas State University and graduated from Saint Mary's College, Leavenworth. After a short teaching career and settling in Lincolnville, she operated a tax preparation and accounting business out of the home for 36 years. In 2011 she moved to Parkside homes, a retirement community in Hillsboro.
Arlene was a baptized and confirmed member of the Lutheran church and attended St. John’s in Lincolnville. She humbly served in many different capacities over the years. While visiting her cousin in Pennsylvania in 1981 she surrendered to Jesus and began a personal relationship with Him. She followed with a public display of her faith with family looking on and celebrating with her as grandson Zachary baptized her in Vero Beach, FL, on November 27, 2015.
Her passions included sewing, quilts, antiques, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A caregiver at heart, she faithfully looked after her mother and mother-in-law as well as many neighbors and community members over the years.
She was married to Robert Kleinschmidt on August 8, 1964, in rural Lincoln County, Kansas. Together they raised three children, two daughters and one son. Bob preceded her in death in 2007. Three children survivors include Kelli Walker (Lloyd), Kansas City, MO, Holly (Camron) Erway, Salem, MO, and Jeffrey (Sarah) Kleinschmidt, Denver CO. Grandchildren survivors include Kara (Mark) Macy, Megan Walker, Zachary Erway, Olivia Erway, Avery Erway, Ian Kleinschmidt, Isaac Kleinschmidt, Griffin Kleinschmidt, and Cooper Kleinschmidt. Great-grandchildren survivors include Norah Macy and Ava Macy.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Bob, brother John Thomsen, nephews Douglas Surprise and Corey Swisher, and her parents. Other survivors include sister-in-law Donna Surprise and sisters Margaret (Chuck) Haynes, Mary (Terry) Swisher and Lana (Vance) Klager, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 9:00 am Friday, December 17, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lincolnville, Kansas
Funeral: 10:00 am Friday, December 17, 2021, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lincolnville, Kansas, Pastor Alan Stahlecker officiating with the interment following at Vesper Cemetery in Lincoln County, Kansas.
Memorials can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or Grace Place Ministries for the missionary support of her grandson, Zachary Erway in care of Jost Funeral Home P.O. Box 266 Hillsboro, KS 67063. Online condolences at www.jostfuneralhome.com.