Arlene Wiench

Arlene O. Wiench passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at the age of 73, surrounded by family at Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa, Ariz. Arlene was born in Fountain City, Wis. on July 5, 1938, to John and Florence (Abts) Grossell. Arlene worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Arcadia, Wis. as a nurse's assistant for five years. She retired as head of food services at the Independence Public School. Arlene married her late husband, Benedict Wiench on September 5, 1959. Survivors include her two children, Scott Wiench of Independence, Wis., Mary Kay (Dave) Smokey of Madison, Wis.; five grandchildren, Jonathon Wiench of Whitehall, Wis., Amanda Wiench of Independence, Wis., Raelin, Jordan and Ashton Smokey of Madison, Wis.; a great-grandchild, Kylie Rae Klimek of Independence, Wis.; three brothers, Byron Grossell of Fountain City, Wis., Ken (Geri) Grossell of Osakis, Minn., Jack (Diane) Grossell of Fountain City, Wis., two sisters, Joan Boland of Arcadia, Wis., and Kris (Scott) Ressie of Fountain City. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; a brother, Bob Grossell; a brother-in-law, Tom Boland; and a sister-in-law, Katy Grossell. Arlene was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and devoted to her faith in God. Arlene enjoyed traveling and cruises with her long time partner, Bill Jeske. She had a loving spirit, good sense of humor and was the kindest person to everyone she met. Arlene made many friends throughout her life who loved her dearly. Most of all, she was the happiest spending time with her family and grandchildren. She will be truly missed by family and all who knew her. Arlene's legacy is being the best mother to her two children. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with Very Rev. Woodrow H. Pace officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Monday, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. followed by a rosary, at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, and one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arlene Wiench, please visit our flower store.