Arlene Will was born on June 20, 1933, in Hazelton, North Dakota. She was the daughter of William and Emelia (Weikum) Will. She attended a country school in Hazelton, ND and worked as a young adult at a furniture store in Linton, ND, until her marriage.In 1955, she met Rev. August Bertsch at Crystal Springs Baptist Youth Camp, and on September 21, 1955, they were married in Linton, ND. Their marriage was blessed with 5 children. Through the years, August and Arlene lived and served in Vida, MN, Venturia, ND, Waubay, SD, Stockholm, SD, and Milbank, SD. They retired and moved to Hutchinson, MN, in 1997. They shared 50 years of marriage until August passed away in 2006. In 2015, Arlene moved to Edgewood Vista in Spearfish, SD.Arlene’s primary identity was that of a pastor’s wife and homemaker, but throughout her life also worked outside the home as a school cook, library assistant and health foods sales associate.As a homemaker, Arlene’s passion revolved around caring for her family. Her love for children extended beyond her own children, as she was always willing to care for and entertain children in the neighborhood, church and school. She was frequently baking fresh cookies, pies, cakes, and other treats to the delight of her children, grandchildren, husband and anyone else fortunate enough to be nearby when the sweet delights came out of the oven. Her creativity also expressed itself in making crafts, costumes and always being there to assist with school and community projects. She loved to read to her children and was often herself seen reading a book during rare free moments. As her children grew and became independent, she finally had more free time to read for her own enjoyment. In her twilight years, she enjoyed being a devoted grandmother, drawing upon the many skills she developed with her own children to the delight of her grandkids. When Arlene could no longer live independently, in 2015 she moved to Edgewood Vista, an assisted living facility in Spearfish, SD. She passed away on July 2, 2016 at the age of 83.Arlene Will Bertsch is survived by her children: Betty Bertsch and her husband, Edward, and 2 children Eddie and Danny of Mahtomedi, MN; Brent Bertsch of Seattle, WA; Barry Bertsch of Glenview, IL; Leslie Bertsch of Seattle, WA; and Londa Weber and her husband, Bill, of Deadwood, SD, and their 2 children Katarina Casteel and Hunter Weber; sisters in law Esther Will and Virginia Will.Arlene is preceded in death by her husband August Bertsch; parents, William Will and Emelia Weikum Will; and brothers Rueben, Alvin, Marvin and Eddie Will.