Arlene Helen (Van Zee) Fiscus

Arlene Helen Fiscus, 95, of Platte SD passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 20, 2025 at Friendship Manor in Shakopee, MN.

Arlene was born October 4, 1929, to Gerrit J and Margaret (VanDerWerf) Van Zee at their family farm in Douglas County, SD. Arlene was the third oldest of 7 siblings and left the family farm marrying her first husband in her early 20’s. She traveled abroad with him many places during his army career. After moving back to the states, she enjoyed spending time with her siblings and many nieces and nephews. She worked as a beautician doing cosmetology and cutting hair. Arlene’s 1st husband passed away from cancer at a young age and in 1986 she went on to marry Alvin Fiscus who was also widowed and had 4 children.

Arlene and Al lived in Bozeman, Montana where they spent an abundance of time with a passion for gardening, planting trees, and flowers. Arlene also became a member of St James Episcopal church in 1994 where she enjoyed listening to her husband Al sing in the choir. Arlene and Al had a popcorn truck and would frequent the rodeos in Montana and they also loved taking drives through the mountains. Arlene had an unwavering love for her family, especially her siblings and showed great pride in spending her later years in life living with her brother Gene.

Arlene is survived by sister Gladys (Gordon) Kuehl of St. Michael, MN and sister Donna Blomberg of Zimmerman, MN; in-laws: Norma Van Zee of Platte, SD, Stepchildren Dan (Charity) Fiscus, Ted (Karen) Fiscus, Amy (Chuck) Rowan and their son Hunter, Juliet (Bruce) Reese, along with many nieces and nephews.

Arlene is preceded in death by husband James Elvin Qualm, 2nd husband Alvin “Al” Fiscus, her parents Gerrit and Margaret Van Zee, four siblings: Clara Iverson (Lyle Gaulke and Vic Iverson), John (Juna Mae) Van Zee, Jacob Gene (Helen) Van Zee and Maurice Van Zee; and in laws Terry Blomberg.

 Memorials in Arlene’s honor may be directed to: American Legion Auxiliary, PO Box 433, Platte, SD 57369 & Friendship Manor 1340 3rd Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379

Funeral will be held 9-13-25 at 3:30pm. Congregating for family starts at 2:30pm (One hour prior to funeral). Dare’s funeral home 805 Main St NW Elk River MN 55330

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