Arlene Elizabeth Anna Gerhardt, 97, of Salina, passed away Tuesday, July 26, 2022. She was born May 22, 1925, on the Grefe dairy farm in Ottertail, MN.

She worked for USD 305 at Central High School as a Food Service worker. Affectionately known as a “cafeteria lady.”

She had a passion for sewing as well as helping others. She completed hundreds of quilts for World Relief and volunteered as an RSVP sewer.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Richard and Sophie (Thalmann) Grefe, an infant brother, and two adult brothers; Orville Grefe and Eugene Grefe.

She married Cleo Joe Gerhardt in February of 1951. He preceded her in death and passed away September 16, 1985.

She is survived by her children; Betty J. (Art) Davis of Bennington, Patricia (John) Gerhardt-Schmuck of Concordia, Darrell (Joyce) Gerhardt of Amity, OK., Randy (Kristy) Gerhardt of Salina, and a sister; Audrey (Lowell) Brutlag of New Brighton, MN., 8 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren and 3 step-great grandchildren. Also survived by two sisters-in-law; Margaret Grefe of Ottertail, MN and Charlotte Grefe of Tempe, AZ.

Services were held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday, July 29, 2022. A private family graveside service was held on Saturday, July 30, 2022.

Memorials may be made to The Trinity Lutheran Church Foundation in care of Roselawn Mortuary, PO Box 2322, Salina, 67402.