Arlene R. Whalen

SOUTH SIOUX CITY -- Arlene R. Whalen, 90, of South Sioux City passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at a local hospital following a brief illness. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, the Revs. DeAnda and Albenesius officiating. Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery in South Sioux City. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., a 4 p.m. rosary said by the Catholic Daughters, and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, Sioux City. Arlene was born August 8, 1921 in Winona, Minn., the daughter of Willis and Olive (Bartan) Fletcher. She graduated from Central High School in Sioux City. Arlene married John Whalen on Feb. 12, 1938 in Elk Point, S.D. He preceded her in death in September of 1994 in South Sioux City. Arlene retired from Swift & Company Packers after 22 years and was a member of the Retiree Club Local 71. She was an active member of St. Michael's Church, Catholic Daughters of America, Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Red Hat Society. She volunteered for Hospice of Siouxland, Mercy Hospital and read to 1st and 2nd graders in the South Sioux School District. Her passion was the South Sioux City Senior Center, where she was a past president, participated on numerous boards, taught line dancing and, above all, enjoyed the evening dance with friends. Survivors include her son, John (Christie) Whalen; son-in-law, Lawrence Wolf (Becky Parks); grandchildren, Larry Wolf, Kelly (Dave) Schuster, Lori (Bob) Day, Jeff Wolf, Maria Jennett, Grant (Beth) Whalen and Aimee Nashleanas; brother, Bob (Vergene) Fletcher of Akron, Iowa; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Judy Wolf; infant son; sisters, Ina (Nick) Brower and Mary (Alfred) Cooper; brother, Willis (Gail) Fletcher Jr.; and a sister-in-law, Jean Fletcher. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Arlene's memory to the South Sioux City Senior Center, 1501 W. 29th Street, South Sioux City, NE 68776.