Arlene Wicklander

Arlene Doris Wicklander, age 97, of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away on June 4 ^th , 2023, at the Christian Community Home, after suffering with congestive heart failure.

Arlene was born on March 9 ^th , 1926, to parents Harris and Clara (Siltberg) Johnson. After High School graduation she married Milton Wicklander in September of 1944 prior to his departure to serve overseas in WWII. Their marriage was a happy union until Milton’s death in 2004.

Arlene was a prayer warrior and cared deeply for her family and friends. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson, and loved every role, connection, and activity associated with her church family. She also thoroughly loved her position as an administrative assistant at E.P. Rock Elementary School for over 25 years.

Arlene had a passion for music and enjoyed playing the piano – having the ability to play any song she heard, by ear, beautifully. She was also a voracious reader, continuing on with books-on-tape, after her eyesight diminished. She never sat down unless she had either a book or a project in her hands that included embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint; and was a lifelong excellent seamstress. Her love of collecting and refinishing antiques filled the family homes with beautiful pieces.

On top of all her hobbies and quest for physical fitness, she also maintained massive flower and vegetable gardens; filling the freezer with homemade baked goods and providing year-round fruits and vegetables that had been canned and preserved.

Arlene will be remembered for her unwavering faith and her deep love and concern not only for her family, but for every friend and neighbor she had. Her grandchildren will miss their “Nanny”.

Arlene is survived by daughters Patty Strong (Sam Ricci) and Suzanne Laatsch; grandchildren Emily (Hank) Fabich, Hailley (Mike) Leverty, Mikey (Megan) Laatsch, and Mallory (Austin) Laatsch-Bushinger; great-grandchildren Bella and Weston Fabich, Leyton, Levi, and Lauryn Leverty, Brooks and Taylor Laatsch, and Carter Bushinger; sister Irma Felland; sister-in-law Mary Johnson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Milton; her parents Harris and Clara Johnson; brothers Oral and Willis Johnson; and sister Nora Swanson.

A visitation for Arlene will take place at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Hudson, at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 12 ^th ; followed by a funeral service and luncheon, beginning at 2:00p.m., also at O’Connell’s.