Arlene Mae Schnabel

It is with great sorrow that we say goodbye to our loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Arlene M. (Kupke) Schnabel. Arlene left this world October 1, 2020 in Marshfield, WI.

Arlene Mae Schnabel was born to Charles August and Margaret (Lecher) Kupke, in Neillsville, WI on May 21, 1932. She was raised on a small farm on Highway C. Her father was a blacksmith on the farm, and her mother tended to the family and farm. Her halfsiblings were John, Clarence, Harold, Eleanor and Virginia Becker. She attended and graduated from Neillsville High School in 1950.

Arlene was wedded to Russell Schnabel, January 23, 1954. Arlene and Russell were accompanied to Iowa for their marriage by good friends, Kathy and Jesse Marty. They were married for 34 years and had 2 children, Daniel Schnabel of Neillsville, WI and Joan (Tony) Stibor of Chippewa Falls, WI. Arlene was blessed to have 2 grandchildren that she thought the world of, Cole Schnabel of Wisconsin Rapids, WI and Dana (Scott) Gudgeon of Portage, WI along with 2 beautiful great grandchildren, Ervin and Hazel Gudgeon also of Portage, WI.

Arlene worked at Nelson Filter in Neillsville for 31 years, and she was always proud of those times and the dear friends she made. After retirement, Arlene would travel to places with those friends. One of those places was Branson, MO to listen to the music there. These trips were always highlighted in her stories and she remembered them fondly. In later years, Arlene liked watching and feeding birds. She loved to bake, and the holidays will never be the same without her cookies and treats.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Charles A. Kupke who died on September 29, 1979, her mother, Margaret, her stepsiblings and her husband, Russell who died on February 10, 1988.

Funeral services for Arlene will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate. Music will be provided by Judy Trunkel. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the church.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Arlene’s family with Funeral arrangements.