Arlene J. Brown

Arlene J. Brown, 64, passed away November 14, 2013 at home, surrounded by her family.  She fought a brave and long battle with cancer and is now pain free.

Arlene was born in a 1949 Buick on the way to the hospital in Saginaw on March 28, 1949.  Ernest and Doris (Morey) Wichert were her parents.  She married Mitchel Jekel in Birch Run on March 9, 1968.  On  May 10 & 11th 1996,  Arlene married Jerald Brown in Stanton.  She was a cashier at Rueckerts Grocery, a Paraprofessional at Birch Run High School,  and worked for 12 years at Bookwalter Motor Sales.  Arlene enjoyed camping, concerts, flea markets, craft shows, vacationing in Canada, gardening, music, staying at her cabin, and her animals.  She was a good decorator,  painter, seamstress, hairdresser,  artist, philosopher, and poet.  She was funny, feisty, and full of life.  Arlene loved her family, especially her grandchildren.  

Arlene is survived by her husband, Jerry; children, Cari & Phil Riley of Kentwood, Kip (Lori Hiliker) Jekel of Illinois, Jerald & Alex Brown of Edmore, Sonja & Mike Rasmussen of McBride, Jamie & Jesse Brown of Six Lakes, Gina & Jeremiah Donaldson of Ohio; 13 Grandchildren; 2 Great Grandchildren; her Brothers, Robert Wichert, Richard Wichert, Dennis Berg, John Bentley, and Gerald Berg; Sisters, Bonnie Erforth, Connie McFatridge, Joyce Ann Matzke, and Sharon Polzin; Father and Mother in law, Eugene and Betty Brown; Brother & Sister in law, Don & Scherry Brown, and many nieces, nephews, special friends Shannon and Cheryl Rodriquez, and friends.  Arlene is predeceased by her Parents;  a Brother, Tom Wichert; and her StepDad, Melvin Berg.

Arlene's family will greet friends Sunday, November 17, 2013 from 1-5 p.m at the Barden Funeral Home, Stanton.  A  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque in Edmore at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 18th. Father Dominc Tirkey will officiate.  Burial will be in Belvidere Twp. Cemetery.

For those desiring to do so, Memorial Contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, The Huntington's Chorea Association of Michigan, or The Hospice of Michigan.

Comments

[Jean Pataky]

Roger and I are so very sorry about the loss of Arlene. She was a dear friend, and I have many fond memories of good times, laughs, and sharing our good times & bad during the years we worked together at the school. Our loss is heaven's gain. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. She will not be forgotten.

[Debby Courtney]

I can't begin to count the events, trips, moments we have shared throughout the years. Some happy, some sad, but all treasured beyond imagine. They have truly gained a special one in heaven today! She will be missed terribly but she will always be close. The comfort comes knowing that she is PAIN FREE and still loves us all! Thank goodness for memories; they are ours forever. My thoughts and prayers remain with Cari and Kip and all her many, many loved ones.

[Craig and Laurie Shaffer]

So VERY sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers to your family....

[Diane Wenn]

Dear Jeralk, Kip, & Cari,
Arlene used to live across the street from me and we got to know each other very good. I missed her so much when she moved away but she would stop in once in a while. I enjoyed going to concerts with her. I'll never forget her. She was a great friend and neighbor. May God be with you and give you strength to carry on as Arlene would want. I wish that I could be there with you
Diane Wenn

[Stacy (Courtney) English]

Kip, Cari, and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Arlene was like a second mother to me and a permanent fixture of my childhood. I have such great memories that I cherish. Arlene had more class and strength in her little finger then most people ever dream of having. She will forever be an inspiration for your family and all who knew her. Much love to all of you.

[Catherine Kime Wenn]

Arlene was a dear friend in high school and beyond. We shared many good times and saw each other through the traumas of the teen years. I will carry her memory with me always. Condolences to the family from my husband Fred and myself.

[Lynn (Darter) Nugent]

Arlene was a Beautiful Lady. I knew many of you before I had the pleasure of meeting her. Heartfelt condolences to all of you. May her sparkling smile remain in your hearts and bring you peace as you remember her. With Love, Lynn.

[Krissy Vervaras & Family]

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all at this sad time. Know that now Arlene is home and is no longer suffering. May you find comfort and peace in God's love. She will be dearly missed!!

[john and mary parks]

Our hearts <3 are with you, and your family at this time of your loss. God has another angel.

[Jerry Psotka]

Dear Jerry, family and friends,

Please accept my deepest and heartfelt sympathy in the passing of a student, dear friend, loyal colleague and a brave soldier. In the years we spent together at Birch Run High School, Arlene touched our lives in beautiful and positive ways. We were drawn to her energy, compassion and loving manner. What a beautiful lady.

Arlene is cherished in our hearts. We will miss her for as long as we live.

Jerry & Donna Psotka

[LuAnn McNamara]

Heaven gained a Angel today. My deepest sympathy goes out to Cari, Kip, and Bob. She was such an Awesome, loving, giving person. I had so many memories from childhood, and than when we were in our 20's. I seen her a few years back and it was like there was never any space between us. She was always happy, creative, unique, and she just had a heart of Gold!!!! It is very hard to find people of any kind that could compare to Arlene. She will be missed very much. LOVE to the family!!!!

[Linda & Mike]

Arlene has been such a great blessing on this earth and I know God has a special place in heaven for his ANGEL..She will be missed and she will always have a place in our hearts..Our prayers will go on for her family...Jerry, Your neighbors are here for you..
.

[Spencer Brown]

I love you all the stars Nana. <3