Arlene Quist, 56, of Rapid City, S.D., and Helena, Mont., passed away early in the morning on Thursday, April 4 after a valiant fight with cancer.
Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 409 Second Ave. N.E., Aberdeen, with Father J. Joseph Holzhauser officiating. Burial follows at St. Mary's Cemetery.
Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 Fifth Ave. N.W., Aberdeen, is handling arrangements.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, at the mortuary and one hour before Mass at the church on Tuesday. A liturgical wake and rosary will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, at the mortuary. Friends may sign her online guestbook at schriversmemorial.com.
Arlene was born on July 19, 1956, in Aberdeen, S.D., to Peter and Cecilia (Arntz) Hansen. She is preceded in death by her parents, and survived by her children: Danielle Quist and Pete Quist of Helena, Mont., and two sisters, Elizabeth Hansen of Aberdeen and Fran (Jim) Schaff of Watertown, S.D.
Arlene was a strong, independent woman who took a great deal of pride and dignity in her work and career path. She received her associate's degree and bachelor of science degree from Northern State University in Aberdeen. After receiving her master of business administration from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion in 1987, she went on to become an assistant professor of business administration at Chadron State College in Chadron, Neb., for five years. She also taught at National College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and worked as an accountant for the Kinner Holmberg and Co Ltd in Flandreau, S.D., and the Holmberg firm in Slayton, Minn. She spent several years as the vice president of business at Oglala Lakota College on the Pine Ridge Reservation. During her time as vice president, she was nominated and received various awards for her dedication and contribution to improving the overall success of Oglala Lakota College.
Arlene was not only an amazing career woman, but also a wonderful mother who was extremely devoted to her two children. She loved each of her children as much as any mother could ever love a child. She was always extremely supportive to her children and took them on various adventures to broaden their horizons.
She was a great role model and held various roles in the community, such as a Kiwanis Club member, soccer coach and Cub Scout Pack leader. Not only was Arlene a beloved mother, but she was also a sister and a friend to many.
In lieu of flowers or food, the family would appreciate contributions to the American Cancer Society and/or the John T. Vucurevich Cancer Care Institute in Rapid City, S.D.