Due to the limitations on public gatherings at this time, a private funeral ceremony will be held at Resurrection of our Lord Parish in Pocahontas on Wednesday, June 3.

Arlene Marie (Schott) DeWall, age 70, of Pocahontas passed away on May 29, 2020. Arlene was the daughter of Clarence and Mary Schott, is survived by: her loving husband, Raymond DeWall; sons: Mathew (Diane) and Patrick (Katherine); six grand-children: Joseph, Andrew, Clara, Thomas, Marie and August; sisters Delores Schott (family friend Jo Muenchow) and Patricia Allen (Marv); and brother: John Schott (Jane).

Arlene grew up on a farm just outside of Pocahontas.   She graduated from Pocahontas Catholic High School, studied art at Briar Cliff College and later transferred to Iowa State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught in the Pocahontas school system for 39 years, retiring in 2010; and continued as a substitute teacher for eight and a half years.

Away from the classroom, Arlene enjoyed traveling, including a five-week, back-backing adventure through Europe with close friends before her marriage, planning summer vacations with her husband and sons; and later in life bus tours with her husband. She was an avid bird watcher and wild flower spotter. On family vacations, learning opportunities were created from her ability to identify wild flowers at 55 miles per hour such as the elusive Lady Slipper in northern Minnesota or to identify birds by their songs or plumage, such as the blue birds in the Mountains of Colorado.

She cherished lunches and dinners with friends. She loved being active whether it be playing catch with her sons, walking around the neighborhood, fishing with the family or playing golf with her family and friends.   As a grandmother, she enjoyed attending the recitals, plays, performances and sporting events of grandchildren.

She loved flowers and gardening, becoming a master gardener and was a member of the Pocahontas Garden Club. She was a lifelong member of the Resurrection of Our Lord Parish, teaching CCD and supporting the Ladies Society. She also volunteered at the local food pantry.

A special thank you to her husband of over 45 years for the attentive, loving care and support he provided, as well as to her sons and their families, siblings and their families (nieces and nephews) for their love and support. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to all of our friends for the outpouring of support, thoughtful cards, and generous gifts of meals and other comfort foods.