Arlene Schillereff

Longtime Alaskan Arlene Julia (Erickson) Schillereff peacefully left this world surrounded by family on July 30, 2024. She was born on November 11, 1929 in Casper, Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1951 with a degree in Education. Shortly thereafter she married John C. Schillereff, also of Casper. They had five children and moved often as John pursued his career in Petroleum Engineering. In 1967 the family was transferred to Alaska, their final and most cherished home. Arlene was a skilled seamstress sewing clothing for the children (primarily pajamas and Easter dresses) and new curtains for each new home (thirteen different houses in all). Arlene was adventurous, a good sport, would try anything and she was FUN! She was a worldwide traveler, made many friends and trusted everyone. Her greatest skill was people – she could talk to presidents or paupers, made them all feel respected and welcome; she enjoyed a good laugh. She practiced what she preached. “Treat others as you would want to be treated”, “give each day your best shot” and “don’t waste your energy on telling lies.” Arlene was never angry but sometimes “honked off” and often noted that “not everyone can be as cute and smart as we are!” She was a recycler and repurposer before it was p.c.; in fact the woman rarely discarded anything. Her memory was remarkable; shecould relate a story or incident in profound detail that could last as long as a cold Alaskan winter. Arlene and John purchased their piece of heaven, a lot in Hatcher Pass, and together built their cabin. Their doors were open to all. Her ten grandchildren remember her most fondly for the adventures at “The Land.” Arlene was a lifetime late sleeper (never call before 11:00 a.m.) and a BIG time telephone talker … landline only. As a homemaker she was wholly devoted to her five children and even more so to her ten grandchildren. In her later years she enjoyed sampling as many restaurants in Anchorage as possible with “the ladies”. She was active in Prospectors, Ushering in the Arts, an ACVB Airport volunteer, was a state and city election worker, and a constant promoter of Alaska. She and her bestie Vonnie Dixon were awarded Anchorage’s Volunteer of the Year in 2011 . Arlene was predeceased by her parents, siblings Marie and Charles, her husband John and children Sandra Robertson and John Schillereff Jr. Greatly missing her aura of love are daughters Susan Barrickman, Julie Netzke and Sara Lewis, grandchildren Heath and Erick Robertson, Tandy Burks, Amber Berleme, Zack and Evan Barrickman, Ariel Carlson, Sean and Jennifer Chambers, and Rebecca Hanson, her eleven great grandchildren who call her Big Grandma and one little great great granddaughter. A funeral service will be held on Friday August 9 at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (3230 Lake Otis Parkway) with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Arlene’s name to Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska. Her legacy will live on through her family and the many lives she touched.