Arlene Reetz

Arlene Reetz was born Aug. 8, 1940, to Marion and Katherine Hoover in Appleton, Wis. She was the second of six children.
Arle grew up outside of Neenah, Wis., on the shores of Lake Winnebago. It was there that she found her passion for the outdoors and animals. She enjoyed swimming, waterskiing, hunting, fishing and raising pheasants. She worked in the family bakery where she developed a love of helping people and conveying love through the expression of food.
She met her soulmate, Terry Reetz, at the University of Wisconsin, got married and had four incredible children. They enjoyed traveling while living in Juneau, Alaska, Butte, Mont., and eventually landed in Custer, S.D., in 1972.
During these travels, Arle taught her children to be adventurous, live life to its fullest, to appreciate the blessings and opportunities life has to offer through hiking, camping, water skiing, fishing and horseback riding.
As the director of nurses at the local nursing home, Arle was able to share her compassion and comfort with the residents and staff. Later, Terry and Arle purchased the Purple Pie Place, where they provided an unforgettable dining experience with their homemade pies.
Their shop soon became internationally known. Arle was involved with the community through Bible studies, singing in the church choir, square dancing, playing cards with friends and the “Do Nothing Club.” Her favorite pastime was growing flowers in her gardens.
Arle passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family June 25, 2022, in Custer. She was 81.
She is survived by her husband, Terry; four children; one beloved dog; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two siblings; and three grand- dogs.
Arle was deeply loved by all her family and friends. Her memory and spirit will continue through shared personal experiences of Arle.
Arle would have wanted her family and friends to know that every one of them were extremely important to her and she loved them very much. She loved living in Custer where people treated each other like family. She loved the Black Hills and its endless beauty. With her love of the outdoors, Custer was the perfect place for her to spend the majority of her life.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 2, at Custer Lutheran Fellowship Church located at 12622 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730.
Arrangements have been placed under the local direction of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home, Custer. Visit chamberlain
mccolleys.com for more information.