Arlene M. Rieckenberg, age 88, was flown to her eternal home on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at Hilltop Grand Village in Wisconsin Rapids with family at her side. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids with visitation from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services. Burial will take place at St. Germain Memorial Cemetery in St. Germain, WI at a later date where she will be laid to rest with her late husband, Jack Rieckenberg. Arlene was born on May 15, 1933 in Merrill, WI to Paul and Leona (Berndt) Oestreich. She was the oldest of eight children and raised on the family farm. She married Jack Rieckenberg on February 28, 1953 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Jack and Arlene made their home in Schofield, WI. They were proud to have celebrated their 50thwedding anniversary before Jack passed away on September 16, 2003. Arlene worked for Kraft Foods for 27 years, and was blessed with over 35 years of retirement. She traveled extensively throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico. Arlene and Jack purchased a second home in St. Germain, WI in 1979 and fulfilled their dream of living in the Northwoods full time in 1990. Arlene was a very inspiring lady who always gave to others. Her beauty, grace, patience, and love impacted many lives; especially as an active volunteer with hospice for 12 years and with the Commission on Aging, as well as a Salvation Army bell ringer. She was a member of the Primetimers, Shipmates, the Wildlife and Fish Club, and the Bo-Boen Snowmobile Club. She enjoyed Friday fish fries as a member of the Fun Bunch. Family was of the utmost importance to Arlene and she took great pride in her children, grandchildren and especially her great-grandchildren.
Arlene is lovingly survived by two children: Vickie Kamke and Jeff (Deb) Rieckenberg; grandchildren: Kay (Chris) Roll and Erin (Zachary) Parmeter; great-grandchildren: Lauren, Olivia, Nolan and Simon; brother, Paul (Sandy) Oestreich; sisters: JoAnn (David) Sauer, Marion Fox, Elaine Oestreich, and Betty Clark; sisters-in-law: Marge Oestreich and Georgene Ritchie; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David and Daniel Oestreich; brother-in-law, Roger Rieckenberg; sister-in-law, Joyce Fleischfresser; and son-in-law Mike Kamke.
Arlene’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and residents at Hilltop Grand Village and Aspirus Hospice for the loving care given to mom. To a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply missed, “Well Done, Dear Mother.” Herman-Taylor is honored to be assisting the family.