Funeral service for Arlene S. Aldrich was held Saturday, April 22 at First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg. The Rev. Lana Williams was the officiant. Interment was at Evergreen Cemetery in Emmetsburg.
Arlene Stella Aldrich, daughter of Parnell and Gladys (McAllister) Stevens, was born Oct. 2, 1934, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She received her education in Emmetsburg, graduating from Emmetsburg High School.
Arlene met the love of her life in 1952, Don Aldrich. They were married on Feb. 26, 1953 and were blessed with four children. Don and Arlene made their home in Emmetsburg where they raised their family and were foster parents to twenty one mentally challenged and teenagers.
Throughout her life, Arlene was employed at Wigdahl Hardware, Anthony’s, and the Emmetsburg Care Center first as the activity coordinator and later as a cook.
Arlene and Don retired in 1994 and spent two years in Texas but returned to Emmetsburg to manage the Stanley House, providing care to five residents.
Arlene was a long time faithful member of the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg, where she participated in church circle, choir and bell choir. She held many positions in the church throughout the years. She was also a member of Order of Eastern Star, Pythian Sisters, Royal Neighbors, T.O.P.s and RSVP.
After retiring “again” in 2000, Arlene and Don met a couple who were NOMADS (Nomads on a mission and divine service). Arlene and Don found this group very enjoyable and participated with them but Arlene referred to NOMADS as Nice old Methodists actually doing something). They did projects around the United States for seven months out of the year, retiring in 2007.
After Don’s death in 2007, Arlene volunteered in any capacity where she could be useful, including PARC Hall, the Welcome Center and Senior Center. She loved playing in the card clubs at the Senior Center. The COVID-19 Pandemic brought an end to all of the activities that Arlene enjoyed partaking in.
Arlene was married to Floyd Aldrich, Don’s brother, and they had the opportunity to travel together for two years before Floyd passed away.
Arlene passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg at the age of 88. She was preceded in death by her parents, Parnell and Gladys Stevens; her husbands, Don Aldrich and Floyd Aldrich; sister-in-law, JoAnn Stevens; and two special nephews, Scott Argabright and Lee Stevens.
She is survived by her children, Darrell (Carla) Aldrich of Manchester By The Sea, Massachusetts, Debra McLaughlin (Jerry) of Emmetsburg, Terry (Sheila) Aldrich of Spencer, and Mary Aldrich (Al) of Belle Plaine, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; brothers, Ron (Joanne) Stevens of Buffalo, Missouri, Jim (Jane) Stevens of Emmetsburg, Jerry (Jane) Stevens of Robins, Iowa; sisters, Rosie (Howard) Argabright of Emmetsburg, Susie Garlinghouse of Fairmont, Minnesota and Brenda Stevens of Maryland; several nieces and nephews; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home.
Condolences can be left at
www.martinmattice
funeralhome.com
