Arlene E. Knaack, age 90, of Marion passed away Monday, February 5, 2018 at St. Joseph Residence in New London.
The former Arlene Eleanor Bartelt was born on July 14, 1927 in the Town of Herman, Shawano County, to Paul and Antonia (Krueger) Bartelt. She grew up in the Gresham area and graduated from Gresham High School in 1945. In her early years, Arlene worked at the JC Penney Store and at Hansen Glove Factory, both in Clintonville. Shortly after high school Arlene married Robert Arndt and the couple had one daughter. They were just married a short time and Robert passed away. She was united in marriage on January 24, 1953 to Victor D. Knaack at St. John’s parsonage in Marion. The couple farmed in the Town of Dupont, Waupaca County, for close to 50 years. Arlene helped her husband on the farm and always had a large vegetable garden. She would can or freeze most of what she grew. Arlene was an incredible cook and baker, especially her homemade breads, pies, and donuts. She also was a good seamstress making or mending the families clothing. Her husband Victor preceded her in death on January 10, 1998.
Arlene was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Marion, where she often helped with funeral luncheons and the fall dinners. When her kids were young she served as a local 4H leader for some time. For many years, Arlene volunteered as an election clerk for the Town of Dupont. She enjoyed traveling whether it was a bus trip around the United States or a trip to a different country. Her favorite places to visit were Germany, Switzerland, and the Bahamas; and in our country she cherished her trips to New York, Nashville, and Branson. Arlene was a quiet and modest person who would always lend a helping hand to others. She was so grateful and appreciated spending time with family and friends. Arlene will be remembered most as a loving mother and a proud grandmother.
Survivors include eight children; Judy (James) Genskow of Appleton, Bonnie (Steven) Ebert of Berlin, Dale Knaack of Marion, Dan (Judy) Knaack of Marion, Cindy (Michael) Bork of Weyauwega, Sandy (Tom) Gettendorf of Weyauwega, Barb (Bruce) Owen of Appleton, and Paul (Bonnie) Knaack of Dale. There are 18 grandchildren: Todd (Bev) Genskow, Tanya (Chris) Kirtz, Tricia (Jeremy) McCauley, Matt Ebert, Krystal (Cory) O’Rourke, Kim (Jon) Ash, Stacy Bailey, Daniel (Tara) Knaack, Nathan (Kayla) Knaack, Logan Bork, Taylon Bork, Jordan Gettendorf, Taylor Gettendorf, Kirsten Gettendorf, Camryn Gettendorf, Jake (Megan) Heinz, Brianna (Mike) Locke, and Katie (LJ) Pivot. There are 19 great grandchildren: Blake, Cooper, Dryden, Poppy, Kaylin, Kiersten, Ryan, Anna, Zachary, Peytra, Flynn, Violet, Eli, Louisa, Victor, Otto, Bentley, Jaxon, and Emily. She is further survived by many other relatives and friends. Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, and a brother LeRoy “Jack” Bartelt.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 7th at 12:00 Noon at St. John Lutheran Church, Marion. Rev. Beth Macha will officiate and burial will follow at Roseland Cemetery, Town of Dupont. Friends may call on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Marion, is assisting the arrangements.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Washington Center – Assisted Living in New London for maintaining Mom’s independence. Also we wish to thank all the nurses and staff at St. Joseph Residence for the wonderful and compassionate care given to Mom. Finally, a special thanks to Wanda Tucker for the many visits to Arlene keeping her up-to-date on happenings around town and at St. John’s.