Arlene Rankl

Arlene R. Rankl, age 86, of Dorchester, passed away surrounded by her loving family at the Waterford on Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

A public visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester. A private family service will follow and will be live streamed on the funeral home’s Facebook page or after service anytime on Facebook or the website. Rev. Doris Ruben will preside. A public interment to follow at 11:45 a.m. at the Dorchester Memorial Cemetery North. A Celebration of Arlene and Jerry’s life will be held starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Holton Town Hall. We encourage those in attendance to abide by the COVID-19 guidelines by sanitizing, wearing a mask (if able) and social distancing. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Dorchester is entrusted with the arrangements.

Arlene was born on June 1, 1934, in the Town of Mayville, Clark County, the daughter of Lloyd and Ruth (Broeske) Carlson. She graduated from Abbotsford High School and received a teaching degree at UW-Eau Claire. On December 21, 1954, Arlene was united in marriage to Jerome Rankl at Peace United Church of Christ in Dorchester. He preceded her in death on January 4, 2021.

Arlene worked many years as a substitute teacher and gave the gift of music through playing organ at her church for 60 years plus teaching piano and organ to many. She was active in her church including helping with Sunday School, serving on the church council, women’s circle and singing in the choir. Arlene was active in 4-H, Holton Homemakers and the Wausau and Marshfield Music Teachers Association.

She was a great homemaker demonstrated by her love of sewing, cooking, and canning vegetables from her huge garden. Arlene also loved antique furniture and refinishing them. She had a huge love for animals. Arlene and Jerry would visit shut-ins and nursing homes every Sunday. Arlene was most empathetic, strongly determined, was non-judgmental and held true to her values. Most importantly, she loved her church, she loved Jerry and she loved her family.

Arlene is survived by her four children: Kurt (Linda) of Abbotsford, Kathy (Brad) Runge of Ladysmith, Kraig (Beth) of Stacy, Minn., and Gail (Scott) Kissner of Rockford, Minn; eight grandchildren: Chad Runge, Krysta Wahl, Erica Rankl, Randi Rankl, Kasey Rankl, Kevin Rankl, Drew Kissner and Olivia Kissner; seven greatgrandchildren: Ariel Runge, Karter Eckstrom, Samuel and Caleb Rankl and Madalyn Runge, Avery and Morgan Wahl. She is further survived by a sister, Carole (Joe) Herman of Holcome; and a brother, Lyle (Sylvia) Carlson of Colby; two brothers-in-law: James (Cindy) Rankl and Guy Rankl; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; and an infant grandson, Logan Kissner.

The family requests memorials be designated to Peace United Church of Christ.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.

Paid obituary 104993