Arlene R. Klein

Arlene R. Klein, 93, of Fredonia, Wis., passed away Friday, July 16, 2021, at Forest Haven in Fredonia, where she had been living the past few years.

She was born on Feb. 2, 1928, in Port Washington, Wis., daughter of Clarence and Adeline Turrie Gessner. After graduating from Port Washington High School, Class of 1945, Arlene would move to Fredonia, where she lived for over 50 years.

On Aug. 26, 1961, Arlene married Elmer F. Klein of Fredonia at Friedens Church in Port Washington. He preceded her in death on June 25, 1998.

Over the years, Arlene worked in the office at the former Kwik Mix company in Port Washington and drove a school bus for the Northern Ozaukee School District for over 14 years. She valued the title of mom and homemaker the best.

Her faith was always very important to her. She had been a longtime member of St. Paul’s Community Church in Waubeka ­— where she also taught Sunday school —was a secretarial volunteer and helped produce the weekly newsletter. In recent years, Arlene was active with St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fredonia.

Arlene enjoyed knitting, playing sheepshead with family and friends and babysitting the little ones.

She is survived by her children Scott (Mary) Klein of Grafton, Barbara (Jerry) Rosenthal of Fillmore, Kathi (Cal TerBeest) Borowski of Fond du Lac and David (Tammy) Klein of Elbert, Colo.; seven grandchildren Jason (Krista) Warner, Jodi Schmitt, Stacy (Randy) Bliss, Joshua (Mandy Pankratz) Borowski, Katlyn (Angelo) Martinez, Lauryn (Jason) Rankin and Ashlyn (Ali) Mohammad; great-grandchildren Chloe, Aston, Brody, Ashlee, Chelsee, Kasee, Dahlia, Lyla and Elyana; great-great-grandchildren Armahnee, Maiya, Ca’Mera, Amahree, Meela, Davonee and Novian; nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Elmer, her brother James Gessner, and her sister Marilyn and her husband Don “Perch” Rilling.

Funeral services will be held at 11a.m., Saturday July 24, 2021, at Poole Funeral Home and Crematory, 203 N. Wisconsin St., Port Washington, Wis.  

Interment will take place at Random Lake Union Cemetery.

 Visitation will be after 10 a.m. Saturday prior to services at the funeral home.

 Memorials are appreciated.

 Information and condolences available at www.poolefh.com or (262)284-4431.