Arlene Wernlund passed away peacefully on Friday, March 22, 2013 at the Baldwin Care Center at the age of 88 years old.  She was born in Emerald township in September 14, 1924 to Herman and Minnie TeBeest.  She had one sister, Merle Baker and a brother, Orien.  She attended Carr Creek School and graduated from Baldwin High School.  She was a lifelong member of the First Reformed Church in Baldwin.  Arlene was united in marriage to John (Jack) Wernlund on May 30, 1945.  Jack and Arlene ran a dairy farm a few miles north of Baldwin.  They had five children, Russ, Glen, Paul, Lois McEvoy and Carol VanDamme Hale.  In 1977 they sold the farm to Doug and Carol VanDamme.

Arlene enjoyed reading cookbooks and had over 300 in her collection.  Cooking and feeding family and friends was the source of joy for Arlene.  Baking bread and cookies took up most of her time after she retired from the Baldwin Medical Center Kitchen.  She also volunteered at the Baldwin Care Center and made many friends among the residents and the staff when she came in for morning coffee every day.  She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Arlene is survived by her children Glen (Pat) Wernlund, Paul (Becky) Wernlund, Lois (Tom) McEvoy and Carol VanDamme (Tim) Hale and thirteen grandchildren; Alyssa Wernlund (Steve) Moss, Chad (Daydra) Wernlund, Emily Wernlund (Donny) Koehler, Trista Wernlund (Bo) Brandt, Joel Wernlund, J. Barrett (Evonne) Wernlund, Cory Wernlund, Kristi McEvoy (Kenny) Johnson, Travis McEvoy, Vicki McEvoy, Lance (Michelle) VanDamme, Tyler (Amber) VanDamme and Austin (Jess) VanDamme and ten great-grandchildren; Logan and Kiernan Moss, Thayden Wernlund, Carter, Kobe and Cason Koehler, Kaylin, Camryn and Connor Brandt and Jasper VanDamme.

Arlene was preceded in death by: her husband of 52 years, Jack Wernlund, son Russ Wernlund and son-in-law, Douglas VanDamme.

Funeral services for Arlene will be 11AM Wednesday April 3 at the First Reformed Church in Baldwin. Burial will be in the Baldwin Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at church on Wednesday. Memorials are preferred.  Arrangements pending with the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin. 715.684.3434