Funeral services for Arlene Gustafson, of Manilla and formerly of Irwin, will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 11 AM at the United Methodist Church in Irwin. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Irwin. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until service time on Saturday, January 23, at the church.
Ohde Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Arlene Edna Gustafson, daughter of Carl and Ilo (Irwin) Schroeder, was born September 21, 1928, in Harlan, Iowa. She attended school in Irwin, graduating from Irwin High School in 1946. She then completed the teaching program at Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls. She then taught school at Stratford.
On June 24, 1951, Arlene was united in marriage with Jerry Gustafson. In 1953, she began teaching in Irwin. Shortly thereafter, she took a break from teaching to raise her children. In 1959, she resumed teaching at Irwin, retiring in 1989.
Arlene was a member of the United Methodist Church in Irwin, where she held various offices and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She also was active with Delta Kappa Gamma, Irwin Town Council, the Manilla Manor Care Review Board, and the Irwin Historical Society. During her retirement, Arlene enjoyed playing cards, working her parttime jobs, traveling to Europe and visiting friends in Arizona.
On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Arlene passed away at the Manilla Manor Nursing Home in Manilla, Iowa. She was 92 years of age.
Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Gustafson in 1982, her parents, and two infant sisters.
Arlene is survived by two daughters, Lee Ann Leinen of Irwin and Gwen Gustafson (Mark Hotz) of Irwin; two granddaughters Cori Mardi and husband Wayne of Omaha and Wendy Leinen of Omaha; great-grandson Caleb Mardi; great-granddaughter Erin Mardi; three nieces: Kathy Larson, Betty Swanson and Carolyn McDonough; and by other relatives and friends. Ohde Funeral Home in Manilla is in charge of arrangements.
