Arlene Theresa Kerkman, 94, passed away Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Hospice Alliance in Pleasant Prairie. She was born June 7, 1927, in Brighton to Nicholas (Frank) and Elsa (nee Schultz) Arnold. She spent her early life and received her education at St. Francis Xavier in Brighton and graduated from Burlington High School.
On Oct. 8, 1949, at St. Mary’s Catholic church in Burlington, Arlene was united in marriage to James Henry Kerkman. Following marriage, they resided on Brown’s Lake in Burlington for 58 years. Arlene worked at Wisconsin Southern Gas and Circles, Inc. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Burlington and the Burlington Lioness. She was an avid reader. She enjoyed shaking dice, playing cards, genealogy, cake decorating, and playing games on her computer.
Arlene is survived by her children, Kathryn Urban (Rich Kuzelka) and James (Maria) Kerkman; grandchildren, Nicole (Mike Kuney) Hawver, Brian (Melissa) Hawver, Tyler Gwizdek, Susan (Bruce) Loberger, Jamie Urban and JP (Becky) Urban; beloved great grandchild Lucas Hawver; sister-in-law Betty Siehoff and brother-in-law Stanley Kerkman.
Arlene is preceded in death by her husband James, her parents, son-in-law James Urban; brother Eugene (Betty) Arnold; twin brother Elmer (Joan) Arnold; sisters, Evelyn (Paul) Gall, Dorothy (Red) Sarbecker, Eleanor (Howard) Brook, Bernice (Andy) Tomaszewski and Mildred (Darrell) Edmonds; brothers-in-law, Marcell (Coletta) Kerkman, Francis (Evelyn) Kerkman, Leon (Rosemary) Kerkman and Bob Siehoff; special niece and friend Joan Schumacher, and dear friend Glen Johnson.
Arlene was loved dearly by her family and friends. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend who touched everyone with her caring heart. Our lives are forever blessed by having known her, and she will be greatly missed.
Special thanks for years of friendship, kindness and support given by Arlene’s dear friend Connie Johnson. Arlene mentioned often how thankful she was for having Connie as a friend and neighbor for 55 years.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Relatives and friends may visit with family on Tuesday, Oct. 26 from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home. A private burial will take place, at a later date, at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery.
Arlene’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Hospice Alliance for their care, compassion, and support during her last days.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials, in honor of Arlene, be made to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd. Kenosha, WI 53144.
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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