Arlene Mae Petersen

Arlene Mae Petersen, 88, of Kingsford, formerly of Pembine, died Thurs. Nov. 2, 2017 at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay. Born on January 24, 1929 in Amberg, Arlene was the only daughter of the late Wilbur and Ida (Duca) Bolander. A graduate of Pembine High School, she worked as a waitress and office assistant prior to taking a job at the Niagara Paper Mill. She worked there for 30 years, and took pride in being the first woman to work in the water analysis lab and she was also the President of the Office & Professional Employees Union. Arlene was a mother, grandmother, friend, helper, and fixer. There was no task Arlene couldn’t take on; from construction, to operating equipment, to fixing just about anything. She was a “Jill of all trades” and rarely sat still. When she retired, she became an EMT and served on the Pembine Rescue Squad for about 20 years. For fun she liked to golf, bowl, garden, knit, and sew. She loved to travel, visiting Africa, Sweden, France, and many parts of the United States. Arlene married Merlin Petersen on April 26, 1946 in Marinette. After 64 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on Aug. 15, 2011. She is survived by three children Lucille (Bill) Gehling of Lakeside, MT, Irene (Mike) Badini of Iron Mountain, and Harold (Cheryl) Petersen of Buck Lake, Crystal Falls, two brothers Donald (Dianne) Bolander of Ontonagen and James (Sandy) Bolander of Crivitz, seven grandchildren Debbie Williams, Dianne Gehling, Craig (Ivy) Gehling, Shelly Brunner, Trisha Brunner, Tara Petersen, and Aron (Nikki) Petersen, four great grandchildren Kalline, Kaitlin, Bella, and Isaiah, and many nieces and nephews. Arlene was preceded in death by her granddaughter Kristen Gehling and her brother Leroy Bolander. Visitation will be Friday from 12 noon-2 pm at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 pm at the funeral home. Rev. Douglas Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in the Pembine Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Arlene M. Petersen may be expressed online at ernashfuneralhomes.com . In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Pembine Rescue Squad. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Arlene Mae Petersen

January 24, 1929 - November 2, 2017