Arlene June Kernz

Arlene J. Kernz, 86, of Neillsville, died peacefully on Friday, September 7, 2018 at Care & Rehab – Neillsville where she had lived for the past year.

Arlene June (Wedekind) was the youngest child of seven children born to Richard & Ida (Luck) Wedekind on June 5, 1932 in Neillsville.  She attended Washington Grade School and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1950.

She remained on the family farm, later helping care for her parents also working at the Red Owl store and First National Bank in Neillsville. She moved from the family farm into Neillsville upon her marriage to Tony Kernz on November 3, 1979.  He died on May 22, 2009.  She also worked at Figi’s in Neillsville and continued there until retirement.

Arlene enjoyed crocheting, sewing, gardening and also making cards for her church. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.  She was a member of the Neillsville United Church of Christ and UCC Circle of Friends. 

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Gary (Linda) Miller, Glen (Karen) Miller, Linette (Wendell) Kuhn, Wendell (Donna) Miller, Steven (Barb) Miller, Janice Miller, Daniel (Emile) Miller, Jeffrey (Debbie) Miller, Susan Hopfer, James Wedekind, Karen Martin, Kathy Donahue, Brian (Virginia) Ewert.  She is also survived by her stepchildren, Lawrence Kernz, California and Debbie (Tom) Jeffrey, Arizona.  

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, her siblings Anita Miller, Harry Wedekind, Ruby Waulters, Leona Damon, Lillian Ewert, Raymond Wedekind and a niece, Linda Barutha.

Visitation will begin one hour prior to service. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at Neillsville United Church of Christ, with Pastor Jacoba Koppert officiating.  Burial will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Neillsville.