ForeverMissed
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Arlene Elaine Reese, 94, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2021 in the company of loved ones in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.  She was a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Arlene was born on July 1, 1926 in Weston, Wisconsin to Herbert and Ida Woodard.  As a teenager in the early 1940's, she accepted a job at the Harley Davidson Factory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she met her first husband, Owen Roger Hanson.  The two were wed in 1948 and had two sons.  They went on to live in California, England and Florida where Roger was stationed in the US Air Force.  Roger passed away in 1956 and Arlene returned to Wisconsin where she later met Raymond Eugene Reese in Wisconsin Rapids.  They married in 1959 and had a daughter and a son.  Raymond spent most of his life working for the US Postal Service and passed away in 1987.  Arlene spent her remaining years as a widow, enjoying life with her friends and family.
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Arlene could recall her sparkle.  She had a natural beauty and was known for her unwavering authenticity, keen wit and whimsical sense of adventure.   She loved to travel and often sent postcards to friends and family scribed with cheerful updates.  In times of both joy and hardship, she embodied strength, vitality and devotion to her family.  Her unpretentious wisdom and down-to-earth nature made her easy to admire and confide in.  Arlene was a skilled seamstress, a talented whistler and an exceptional dancer.  She enjoyed fishing, gambling and Western movies.  She was an avid lover of birds, particularly canaries which are known for their sweet singing.  Arlene's favorite flowers were lilacs and red roses.
Arlene is predeceased by her beloved son Thomas Roger Hanson who passed away in 2001; by her parents Herbert and Ida; and by her six elder siblings Florella, Florence, Alice, Viola, Eleanor and Herbert.  She is survived by son James (Mary) Herbert Hanson, daughter Cynthia (Michael) Rosalie Hoffmann and son Raymond (Maureen) John Reese and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Other family and friends especially dear to Arlene are her niece Gloria Michelson, nephew Daryl Timler and long-time friends Dolly Roux and Marge Hock.
Per Arlene's wishes, a funeral service will not be held.  She will be laid to rest beside her late husband Raymond in Forest Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin through family arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Arlene's honor to the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille library.  Arlene loved audiobooks and was listening to "Home is Where the Heart Is" by Linda Byler at the time of her passing.
Arlene's family would like to thank the staff at Apsirus Riverview Hospital & Clinics and River Run Assisted Living for their kind and compassionate care.
All who knew Arlene are welcome to share their condolences, encouragements and favorite memories on her memorial website:
April 15, 2021
April 15, 2021
I am very proud to have Arlene as a grandmother. She was very strong-willed and independent, but most of all she was very straightforward and wise about everything... mostly because she had been through it at one point. I can verify that she was as sharp as a tack, and I am 100% certain that if it weren’t for physical health issues, she would be continuing as normal: either crocheting/sewing, cooking, going to a casino on weekends, playing solitaire, or picking up another hobby. 

Some might say her responses were sometimes coarse, but you know she didn’t want to see her family members coddled. For example, “oh? Well...tough titty” may have been a response to you confiding about an issue, but you have to believe she did have your best interest in mind. Truly she did.

Also, I must point out that I would probably not be where I am today without her help and will be forever thankful for her advice, resilience, and individuality. 

I am glad that I was able to help with tasks around the house when I was able to. In fact, I wish I could have done more. But you know she will not be forgotten. It will be impossible to forget her.
April 12, 2021
April 12, 2021
Aunt Arlene..
A one of a kind lady. Loved her quick wit and spunk. Admired her so much! I still remember her sharing her pickle recipes with me and have fond memories of all the times when we were young and we played at your house. Glad shes with uncle Ray again. I know shes at peace. She was one of a kind. She will be missed by so many of us.
April 12, 2021
April 12, 2021
Our Deepest Condolence on the Sad Loss of your Beautiful Mom Ray.
May She Rest in Peace.
Thoughts & Prayers are with you Maureen & Family at this time.
April 10, 2021
April 10, 2021
Grandma Reece. Sad I didn’t get to say goodbye in person but you were in my thoughts. What a strong woman you are. I love hearing all the stories about you, even at the end you were tough as nails. I’ve always known that. At five years old, you know when your grandma has no problem wearing her pink night gown, slippers and hair curlers to the grocery store that she is a force to be reckoned with. But you were also kind hearted, forgiving and loving. My fondest memories with you were spending time in Granbury; fishing, playing games & go fish with Grandpa Reece over the summers. Playing in the snow at your house building ice forts while you stood at the window and watched or touring the cheese factory to name a few. You will be missed. Tell everyone hello up there and keep the chili pot on. Some day I want to know what ,”good clock a monkey” means.

Love,


Pete


April 10, 2021
April 10, 2021
Grandma Reese,
We love you so much and hope you are loving on Jesus and your family in Heaven! Thank you for always teaching us the importance of love and appreciation of family and friends. Thank you for showing us how to stand up for ourselves and to always do the right thing. Thank you for being an amazing mother to Dad. His face lights up after your weekly phone calls! I will forever know how to make the best chili, play cards to win, and give the best hugs because of you! One of my favorite memories together is when we celebrated my 21st birthday and your 90th birthday, and you taught me the "RIGHT WAY" to gamble at a casino and drink whisky. (We wore our matching gambling with grandma/granddaughter hats. Oh how you loved your hats). Mitchell and I will always cherish the last time we sat for hours together, laughing and talking about the past and future. He told you he will always take care of me and put some "meat on his bones!"
We love you and miss you,
Your "Peanut"
April 8, 2021
April 8, 2021
I had the great pleasure of meeting this beautiful lady many years ago in Dallas, Texas when visiting Ray & Maureen. Arlene was a breath of fresh air, her eyes danced with laughter & love for her family. She will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her beautiful family during this sad and very difficult time. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Condolences from all the Nugent family in Galway, Ireland.
April 7, 2021
April 7, 2021
Dear Arlene,

You always amazed me with your many skills and talents including knitting, crocheting and sewing. I still have all the beautiful baby blankets that you made for the kids when they were little. Some sewn, some crocheted and some knitted. You always found the time to make beautiful things for your many grandchildren. When Rocky and I were fast married and I expressed an interest in learning to sew, you bought me my very first sewing machine and you taught me the basics of sewing so that I could start to create things for my own home and family. You were always a patient teacher and I will be forever thankful for that life skill that you taught me. Hopefully I will be able to pass those skills on to a future daughter-in-law of my own someday. 

In the midst of the grief surrounding your passing, I glean some comfort at the thought of you being reunited with your late husband who I never had the privilege of meeting but heard many wonderful stories about. 

Thank you for not making a big deal when I burnt the very first roast beef that I tried to make for you. I was pretty mortified but you took it all in stride. Cooking was never my strong suit so I was always grateful for the recipes that you gave me.  I have always loved your No Peek chicken recipe and have made it dozens of times over the years. I would think of you every time that I made it.

You were also a fantastic dancer and so many of my friends and family were amazed by your polka dancing skills at my wedding. That was especially especially wonderful day . Thank you alsofor the gift of your wonderful son who has been an amazing father and husband. We will miss you Arlene! 

Love you always! ❤️ 

Maureen

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April 15, 2021
April 15, 2021
I am very proud to have Arlene as a grandmother. She was very strong-willed and independent, but most of all she was very straightforward and wise about everything... mostly because she had been through it at one point. I can verify that she was as sharp as a tack, and I am 100% certain that if it weren’t for physical health issues, she would be continuing as normal: either crocheting/sewing, cooking, going to a casino on weekends, playing solitaire, or picking up another hobby. 

Some might say her responses were sometimes coarse, but you know she didn’t want to see her family members coddled. For example, “oh? Well...tough titty” may have been a response to you confiding about an issue, but you have to believe she did have your best interest in mind. Truly she did.

Also, I must point out that I would probably not be where I am today without her help and will be forever thankful for her advice, resilience, and individuality. 

I am glad that I was able to help with tasks around the house when I was able to. In fact, I wish I could have done more. But you know she will not be forgotten. It will be impossible to forget her.
April 12, 2021
April 12, 2021
Aunt Arlene..
A one of a kind lady. Loved her quick wit and spunk. Admired her so much! I still remember her sharing her pickle recipes with me and have fond memories of all the times when we were young and we played at your house. Glad shes with uncle Ray again. I know shes at peace. She was one of a kind. She will be missed by so many of us.
April 12, 2021
April 12, 2021
Our Deepest Condolence on the Sad Loss of your Beautiful Mom Ray.
May She Rest in Peace.
Thoughts & Prayers are with you Maureen & Family at this time.
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