Arlene J. Burke, 89, of Shawano, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 6, 2014, at The Cottages in Shawano. She was born July 19, 1924, in Lunds, a daughter of the late George W. and Clara J. (Anker) Black.
Arlene attended school in Wittenberg, graduating in 1942. Following high school, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in just 3 1/2 years, graduating in 1945. Following graduation, she married Robert E. Burke on Sept. 7, 1946, at the Lutheran church in Birnamwood. They later had a son, Michael.
The couple moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where Robert attended college while Arlene taught school. Robert’s career with American Can brought the couple back to Wisconsin, and later to Oregon. Arlene taught in Eugene, Ore., for over eight years. She retired from teaching in June 1993. While living in Oregon, Robert passed away in January 1996. Arlene returned to Shawano in 1998.
She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano, where she was active in the Altar Guild and the Elizabeth Circle. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Arlene was an avid traveler, bowler and golfer. She also enjoyed playing bridge, dancing and driving around in her red Mustang. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing the trumpet. She has always had a love for animals, especially dogs and bears.
Arlene is survived by three grandchildren, Chris (Jennifer) Burke, of Reno, Nev., Rob (Rachel) Burke, of Reno, Nev., and Jacob Burke, of Ottawa, Kan.; a daughter-in-law, Angie Burke, of Ottawa; two great-granddaughters, Emma Grace Burke and Madelyn Hope Burke. Arlene is further survived by her dear friend and soul mate, Roland Zeinert, of Shawano.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, her husband and her son, Michael, as well as her special cousin, Charlotte Buckbee.
Her loving heart, warm smile and spirit will be forever missed.
A memorial service for Arlene will be held Saturday, April 12, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano. Pastor Gisele Berninghaus will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery of Shawano on Tuesday, April 15, at 1:30 p.m. Relatives and friends may call at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 12, from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at the Memory Care Unit at The Cottages in Shawano for the compassion and care that Arlene received during her stay.
Online condolences are available at www.schroedermickelsonfuneralservice.com.
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