Arlene A. Smith

Arlene A. Smith, 94, of Arbor Vitae, and formerly of Capron, Ill., passed peacefully on August 28, 2023, at her home with her daughter by her side.

Arlene was born on July 5, 1929, in Whitewater, the daughter of Fred and Anna (Bazen) Wendorf. She married Linvell P. “Pete” Smith on October 2, 1949, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Fort Atkinson.

Arlene worked for Arnold Engineering in Marengo for many years, and as a cosmetologist. She was a member of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Minocqua, and was involved in the quilters guild, and the widow/widower’s group. Arlene was an avid nature lover and enjoyed looking out at the lake at home. She had beautiful flower gardens, a bountiful vegetable garden, and a serene rock garden that she maintained. Arlene looked after many stray cats and made sure they were fed breakfast, lunch, and dinner! She enjoyed reading mysteries on her iPad, NASCAR racing, and baseball — especially the Milwaukee Brewers. More than anything, Arlene loved being sociable. She loved playing cards with friends and visiting with her daughter and son.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Valerie A. (Jerry) Karr of Harvard.

She was preceded in death by her husband Pete; her sons Jeffrey K. and Ricky Lynn who passed at infancy; her parents Fred and Anna Wendorf; her siblings Florence Knight, Bernice Welch, Lorayne Shadel, Clayton Wendorf, Betty Kutz, and Lyle Wendorf; and her loving cat JoJo.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to noon at Milton Lawns Memorial Park, 2200 Milton Ave., Janesville, WI 53545. Funeral service to follow with the Rev. Jerry Amstutz to officiate. Interment will be in Milton Lawns Memorial Park.

Val would like to thank the Compasses nurses and volunteers who cared for Arlene so she could stay at home, especially Kitty and Diane who always made her laugh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Arlene’s honor to Ascension Lutheran Church, Highway 51, Minocqua, WI 54548, Northwoods Wildlife Center, 8683 S. Blumenstein Rd., Minocqua, WI 54548, or Furball Farm Cat Sanctuary, 3405 220th St., Faribault, MN 55021.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.saundersmcfarlin.net.

Call Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home for more information at 815-943-5400.