Arla Mauren Sechler, 79, died Monday, April 8, 2024 at Park Place Senior Living in Ft. Wayne, IN.  She was born on October 27, 1944 in Ft. Wayne to the late Virgil H. & Margaret M. (Hiers) Stomberg.  She married Paul Lee Sechler on July 11, 1964 in Ft. Wayne and he preceded her in death on April 11, 2023.

Surviving are her children, Angela Sechler (Rob McManus) of St. Paul, MN, Brian (Risa) Sechler of St. Joe; granddaughters, Brandy Kumfer, Esq. (Dr. Christopher) of Indianapolis, Meagon (David) Badger of Indianapolis; 5 great grandchildren; sisters, Kristine (Mike) Bates of Ft. Wayne and Nita Thieme of Ft. Wayne.

She was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Thomas Thieme and a nephew, Rodney Gerardot.

Arla worked in banking for close to 30 years at multiple financial institutions including Knisley National Bank in St. Joe as a Teller and Branch Manager, Home Loan & Savings in Ft. Wayne, Financial Partners Credit Union and at Grabill Bank.  She was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in St. Joe.  In her spare time, she had many hobbies and loved quilting, basket weaving and traditional Scandinavian rosemaling.  She served as Treasurer and President of the Business Professional Women's Club in Butler, was a member of the Ft. Wayne Scandinavian Club, and volunteered with Junior Achievement teaching leadership skills to local Riverdale Elementary students.

Calling from 1-3 pm on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Carnahan-Baidinger & Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville, IN.  Services will follow at 3 pm with Pastor Amy Beitelschees-Albers officiating.  Burial at Riverside Cemetery in St. Joe, Indiana.

Memorials may be given to the DeKalb Humane Shelter – 5730 CR 11A  Auburn, IN 46706 or to the DeKalb County Council on Aging – 1800 East Seventh Street Auburn, IN  46706