Arlene Ruth Hinz, daughter of Reynold and Laura (Peymann) Hinz, was born on March 5, 1943, in Fairmont, Minn. Faith was a cornerstone of Arlene’s life. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fairmont, Minn., and later attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minn.

Arlene was kind, gentle, resilient and hard-working. Whatever came her way, she managed it gracefully, never complained and was always ‘fine’. She was a long-time employee of Fairmont Community Hospital, where she worked her way up to Supervisor of Housekeeping and Laundry.

Arlene’s greatest joy came from spending time in her flower gardens, watching and listening to the birds sing and spending time with her family. She raised five amazing children, and her grandchildren brought immense pride and joy to her life.

Left to cherish her memory include her children, Kimberly (Thomas) Garry, Bradley Smith, Karla (Daniel) Heibel, Tonia (Dan) Hewett; son-in-law Tim Bird; grandchildren Jessica Garry (Erik Folcik), Marissa (Troy) Studinski, Erica (Gordy) Diekmann, Tia Johannsen, Amanda (James) Johnson, Michael Johannsen, Jennifer (Brady) Taylor, Megan (Chris) Nutini, Mitchell (Lexy) Heibel and Levi Hewett, 16 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; sister Marilyn (Norman) Anderson; brother-in-law Clifford Trullinger; sisters-in law Jacque Hinz, Sandy (Mark) Schlomann and Beverly Smith along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Lois Bird; great-grandchild, Magdalene Studinski; siblings Maynard Hinz, Ronnie Hinz, Mova Jane Trullinger, Larry Hinz and Larriane Hinz; sisters-in-law Eloise Hinz, and Shirley Hinz and brother-in-law, Gary Smith.

A Celebration of Life Service for Arlene Smith, 83, of St. Michael, formerly of Fairmont, Minn. will be 11 a.m. Saturday May 16, 2026, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Buffalo, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Private interment at Lakeside Cemetery, in Fairmont, at a later date.

Rest in peace, mother dear. Your love shaped our world, and your memory will light our way forever.

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]