Arlene Hediger

A livestream of Arlene's Funeral Service can be viewed in the box at the bottom of this obituary beginning at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Arlene M. Hediger, 83, of Neillsville, WI died on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at the Riverside Assisted Living in Neillsville, WI.

Arlene Mae Hediger was born Aug 22, 1939, to John Thoma and Hilda (Meyer) Thoma. She joined 3 older siblings, Genevieve, Henry, and Elvira (Toots) and lived at the family farm in Globe WI. When Arlene was 14 yrs old her father passed away from lymphoma right around Christmas. This personal loss caused Arlene to always have Christmas be a special holiday for everyone in her family in remembrance of her father.

Arlene was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Globe WI. She was a lifelong member at Immanuel and had great faith and belief in God and Christ as her Savior.

Arlene graduated from Neillsville High School in 1957 and went to Normal School for teachers in Wisconsin Rapids. She was a full-time teacher for 3 years and after a few years break with multiple small children, she decided to become a substitute teacher. She continued to teach for 26 years at area elementary and middle schools. She ended up knowing many of the area children from this time frame and frequently would visit these individuals throughout the remainder of her life. Arlene finally left teaching in 1994 to work at the IGA bakery in Neillsville until 2003 when she retired.

Arlene met Kurt Hediger and eloped in January 1959. They bought some land near the Black River and built a log home. They lived in the basement for 2 years until the home was finished. They welcomed a son, Mark, in late 1959, a daughter, Mary, in 1962 and son Mitchell in 1966. Arlene loved her flowers and gardening. She had a big garden and beautiful flower beds and flowering trees. She grew raspberries and blueberries and shared her love for the land with her children. Kurt and Arlene ran K & A Tree farm for years and sold Christmas trees off their property. Decorating her house was a must for every season and holiday.

Kurt and Arlene were in several card parties and enjoyed playing cards with many friends and family. After Kurt passed in 2007, Arlene continued to play in multiple card groups including the "Swinging Chicks" made of mostly widows or single women in the area. Arlene had a sharp mind and was always quick with a joke. She was a favorite mother, aunt, and friend. She faithfully watched the Bucks and Brewers for years.

Arlene had many opportunities to travel and visit her children and grandchildren which she enjoyed. She spent time in Hawaii, Texas. Maryland, Washington, DC, Tennessee, Louisiana, Iowa, and California. She also had the pleasure of traveling to Switzerland, Iceland twice and Italy.

Arlene is survived by 3 children, Mark Hediger of Eau Claire, Mary (JD) Holmes of Neillsville, Mitchell (Jody) Hediger of Marion IA. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Andre' Dickerson, Nicholas (Molly) Dickerson, Christopher (Jill) Dickerson, Benjamin (Katie) Hediger, Jessica Hediger and step granddaughter Jeanette (Jeremy) Quintanilla and 6 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister. Genevieve Dux, brothers-in-law Dan Patey, Fritz (Dixie) Hediger, and sisters-in-law, Virginia Thoma, Margaret Schroeder, and Charlotte Tetzloff.

Arlene was predeceased by her husband, Kurt Hediger, her parents, John and Hilda Thoma, her in-laws, Herman and Hanna Hediger, a brother, Henry Thoma and sister, Elvira (Toots) Patey. She was also predeceased by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Louis Dux, Bernie and Hanna Opelt, Bob and Rosie Knoop, Art Schroeder and Herman Hediger.

The family would like to thank the staff at Riverside Assisted Living Facility for all their care, compassion and help during this difficult time.

Serving as casket bearers will be Andre' Dickerson, Nicholas Dickerson, Christopher Dickerson, Benjamin Hediger, Jessica Hediger, and Jeremie Johnson.

A funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Globe. Pastor Nathan Wilke will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2022, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and also from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the church. Interment will be in the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery.

Memorials in Arlene's name may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org or the Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, N6466 County Road G, Neillsville, WI 54456.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Arlene's family with Funeral arrangements.