Arleta Schaller Vandersee

Arleta Schaller Vandersee, 93, of Fayette, Iowa, died February 13, 2021, at Maple Crest Manor, Fayette, Iowa.

Arleta Ruth Jellings was born, March 11, 1927 in West Union, Iowa to Clarence Bert Jellings and Ruth Wilbur Jellings. She attended Fayette County schools starting in a one room schoolhouse and graduating in 1945 from West Union High School. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa and earned a teaching certificate.

She taught in Randalia, Iowa where she was introduced to her future husband David D. Schaller by her future father-in-law. They married December 26, 1948. Together they farmed in rural West Union until 1968, when a farm accident forced them to move to West Union. Arleta then worked at several positions including Baumler Implement, Cuddies Boot Hill Supper Club, Pill Inc., Bostrom’s Grocery and North Fayette schools.

She and David celebrated 53 years of marriage before his death in 2002. God led her to Don Vandersee, and they married in 2003. They lived in Fayette until her death.

She was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church in West Union for 75 years. She was proud of being a longtime member of the Union Study Club.

 Arleta is survived by her husband, Don, of almost 18 years, her children Metta (Vernon) Beninga of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Steve (Pam) Schaller of Clear Lake, Iowa, Gene (Diana) Schaller of Clive, Iowa, son-in-law Paul Figge of Aurora, Colorado, and sisters-in-law Lois Jellings and Dorothy Bemis. Fourteen grandchildren, twenty-two great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, as well as Don’s family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Wendy Figge, son, Dennis Schaller, two grandchildren, one great grandchild, brothers, Donald, Clarence, Robert, and sister, Doris Daniels.

A private graveside service will be held. A public celebration of life will be held at a later.

Many Thanks to the staff of Maple Crest Manor for their kindness, care and support to our wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family.