Arlene J. Schutjer

Arlene J. Schutjer, 94, of Mason City, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026, surrounded by family at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center after a period of declining health. Arlene was born on September 22, 1932, in Britt, Iowa, and grew up in Britt while going to the Britt Schools. She left school early to help her mother with the family and household.

Arlene’s life changed quite dramatically when she met her future husband Kenneth (Shorty) in 1950. They were joined in marriage on May 15, 1951. To this union, the couple were blessed with three boys, Rick, Randy and Rodney.

Arlene was a devoted housekeeper, homemaker and mother of three boys. As the boys progressed into high school, Arlene took on jobs outside of the family home. She started working cleaning homes and hotel rooms. She then moved on to work for several years at the former Libby Owens-Ford glass plant in Mason City. She worked there until retirement.

After she and her husband retired, they purchased a farm in the countryside of Mason City. She enjoyed raising ducks, geese and helped with the turkeys. Arlene enjoyed being surrounded by pretty things. She had hobbies of needlepoint, crocheting, knitting and some painting. She also enjoyed cooking, tweaking new recipes and feeding her family and a few close friends.

Arlene enjoyed being outdoors, working in her flower and vegetable gardens, mowing and trimming the yard. She enjoyed “babying” flowers that were special to her. She enjoyed the farm wildlife; the cardinals and the deer were her favorites to watch and feed. Arlene enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Iowa Hawkeyes Girls Basketball. Caitlin Clark was her favorite player to watch and enjoy.

Arlene leaves behind a family that will carry memories of her forward. She is survived by sons, Randy and Rodney (Cissie) all located in Mason City, Iowa. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Anna (Ganseveld) Olson; her husband, Kenneth in 1988; her eldest son Ricky; brothers, James, Kenneth, Merrill, Robert; and sisters, Betty, Marjorie, Marcella and Bonnie.

Arlene’s service was conducted on Thursday, November 12, 2026, in Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the 5West unit, and Dr. Brandon Hart of the MercyOne system, and Terri’s Home Healthcare for all their efforts in managing Arlene’s care.