Arlene Marie Reisen, 96, of Dubuque, IA, entered her eternal rest on May 28th, 2025, and is now at peace. Her life was brought to a close while asleep in her home, surrounded by her loving family. As a woman of faith, a Service of Song and Celebration will be held to honor Arlene’s life. Arlene had prepaid for her cremation costs, but all other of her funeral costs had not yet been paid for, and she had no life insurance. Arlene did not have any assets or an estate, and all she had left in her bank accout is what was used to pay for both her care for the time she was staying at Luther Manor, and for her obituary. We felt that using the rest of her own funds for her obituary was the best way to honor the legacy of her life.

But now, her daughter, Vickie, who is currently battling a high grade, aggressive form of uterine cancer, and who has recently lost her seconday health insurance and has been stuck with several medical bills, has now also had to take on the burden of most of these expenses. We have received help from Arlene’s other immediate family members to cover some of the other large expenses, but they can only do so much.

We expect the remainder of the costs we can't afford to total out to be around $1,200 or so. Funds are needed for things such as the cost of the use of the church facilities and paying for the musician and pastor's time. We will also need to purchase the turkey and dressing and deli sandwiches for the meal. We will be paying for the flowers around the urn and around the blown up photograph by the urn, which will also need to be bought. We are planning a small engraving on the urn, and have come across several other smaller funeral expenses we didn't expect. If any funds are received after all of the expenses are covered, they will be split amongst her memorial funds.

If you would like your donation to go directly to one or more of the memorial funds instead of the expenses, that is more than appreciated. Please just notate that when you make your donation. Other support and words of sympathy may also be sent via the mail. Please reach out to Andy for addresses if you would like to send a card to Arlene’s daughter, Vickie Klinkhammer, or any of the rest of her family.

We'd like to tell you a little more about Arlene. Born on December 1, 1928, in Dubuque, IA. Arlene was a sweet and gentle soul who was blessed to spend almost an entire century on this earth surrounded by the love of many family and friends. Arlene eventually met and married the love of her life, William F. Reisen and the two were blessed with many wonderful years together and a family of their own to love and nurture. She was a loving wife and mother who approached each day as an opportunity to leave a positive imprint on those around her.

In her early years, Arlene worked in downtown Dubuque at Montgomery Ward, starting at the age of 16, and moved with the store when they relocated to Kennedy Mall, where she became a brassica. After their closing, she was hired at Armstrong’s in China and Gifts. Arlene was a gifted seamstress, baker, and craftswoman, and later used her skills of sewing, quilting, and creating to be a part of The Ice Harbor Emporium, The Kitchen Cupboard, and most recently, Mercantile on Main.

In her free time, Arlene was devoted to her faith and family. She was a charter member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, and also belonged to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, where she volunteered to spend much of her time sewing several quilts throughout the years to be sent to third world countries through the Lutheran World Relief. She worked as a volunteer for the Dubuque Lutheran School at Our Redeemer, working in the kitchen to serve meals for the students, loving to see their happy faces.

Arlene was also a proud, 85-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary, eligible through her father’s service. She loved to show her support for her husband, father, and all of her eight brothers’ service. Within her family, every branch of the military was represented, and she would always stand for the entire song whenever the Armed Forces Salute was played. In honor of her family’s service to this country, Arlene served on many roles within the auxiliary at the unit, county, and district levels. She was a member of unit #6, Dubuque, for 70 years and unit #656, Farley, for the other 15.

On November 24th, 2002, Dupaco Community Credit Union and the Dubuque Telegraph Herald announced that Arlene was named the winner of the Volunteer Recognition Award. She was honored for her extensive volunteer activities with the American Legion Auxiliary, as well as with Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and as the co-chair of the Luther Manor nursing home auxiliary She also spent much of her time volunteering for St. Mark’s after-school program. Besides being recognized for this award, $100 was donated in Arlene’s name to Project Concern, Inc.

Arlene spent her life giving back. Besides her main volunteer missions, Arlene would also donate every extra bit of money she ever had, spread out amongst several organizations. She was truly altruistic and often put the needs of others before her own without ever seeking any kind of recognition. Her main concern had always been about making sure those in need had access to food. She always believed that everyone deserves to eat, no matter who they are or the circumstances they are in.

Arlene always strived to set a good example for those watching to follow. Our hearts break as Arlene now joins all of her loved ones who have been called home ahead of her. May the love and lessons she leaves behind help to comfort all who knew and loved her, as her legacy lives on in their lives moving forward. Be still, Arlene, and wear your crown proudly in heaven, now that your victory has been won. We cherish the memory of your smile, the sound of your laugh, and the twinkle in your eyes. We cope by knowing that one day, our souls will be together once again.

We would like to thank all of you who are able to donate to help Arlene’s family honor her wishes for her journey from this life to the next. If unable to donate, a like or share can go a long way. Thank you again, and God Bless.