Arlene A. Heller (nee Gundrum) age 84 of New Berlin died peacefully on Wednesday August 18, 2021. She was born May 12, 1937 to Andrew and Othilda (nee Weninger) Gundrum. On May 16, 1986 she was united in marriage to Richard Zima in Reno, NV. Richard preceded her in death on February 21, 2010. Arlene graduated from West Bend High School. After her children were born she worked in West Bend before moving to Kewaskum and working in the office at Regal Ware. She waitressed at night to help support her kids. Once they were grown she moved to Merrill, WI where she was the proprietor of the Hub Inn. In 1978 she moved back to West Bend where she met her future husband, Richard. Arlene was employed as a secretary at Best Heating and Wayne Wagner Plumbing in Brookfield until her retirement. In 2005 she and Richard moved to Punta Gorda, FL where she stayed after Richard’s death and in 2018 she moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to family. She enjoyed boating, playing sheepshead and cribbage, dining out and visiting with family and friends. Arlene and Richard loved to travel. Her faith was important to her and she was very active in the Catholic church. She and Richard were avid Packer fans and held season tickets for many years.
Arlene is survived by 2 children: Cindy (Steve) Krantz of New Berlin and Brett (Kim Hanson) Racette of Merrill, WI, 8 grandchildren: Ralph Jr. (Alyssa), Katie, Ryan, Rachelle (Derek), DJ (Sara), Nichole (Brian), Matt and Katie (Adam) and 10 great-grandchildren: Molly, Madelyn, Elliott, Jett, Mila, Beckett, Paisley, Andralynn, Derek and Ian. She is further survived by her daughter-in-law Helen Racette, 4 siblings: Geraldine (Marty) Rulli, Patricia (Michael) Williams, Andrew (Karen) Gundrum and Ronald (Marilyn) Gundrum, a brother-in-law Matt Zima, a sister-in-law Mary Stangel, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Andrew and Othilda Gundrum, her husband Richard and her son Ralph.
A memorial service will be held Friday, August 27, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend with Pastor Nathan Reesman from St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church officiating. Please join the family for a meal at the funeral home following the service. The family will greet visitors from 3:30 p.m. until 4:45 p.m. Burial of the urn will take place on Saturday, August 28th at 9:30 a.m. in Washington County Memorial Park. Masses to St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church or memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital are appreciated. Due to the reconstruction of 7th Avenue please use Main Street and Cedar Street to come to the funeral home. Our parking lot is behind our building and can be accessed from the alley or our driveway. While attending Arlene’s visitation and service please take precautions against COVID-19 by wearing a mask and following social distancing practices. The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com.