Arlene Mae Stichert

On July 6th, at the age of 93, Arlene Mae Stichert entered eternal life to be with her Lord and Savior—whom she served faithfully throughout her life. Though our hearts are heavy with her loss, we take comfort in knowing she is now home, wrapped in the peace of God's eternal love. Her legacy is woven deeply into the fabric of her family—a legacy of faith, family, hard work, and unconditional love.

 Private services are planned with no public visitation. Burial will be at the Yolo Cemetery in the town of Fremont.

 Arlene was born May 22nd, 1932 in the town of Richfield, to John (Jack) and Helen (Krueger) Haessly. She attended Oak Leaf and Mill Creek Schools in Marshfield. Arlene married Willis Stichert on March 17th, 1951 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Hewitt.

 Arlene had a gentle soul and a quiet strength. She never complained, even in the face of hard work, challenges, or aging. Her life was a shining example of humility, grace, and resilience. She managed the bookwork and payroll for Stichert Roofing and Lumber Company, the business she and her late husband started together, continuing to do so diligently right up until the end. Her devotion to the family business and her work ethic were nothing short of inspiring.

 Arlene was a lifelong, active, and dedicated member of Christ Lutheran Church of Chili, and her faith was the steady compass that guided her through life’s joys and trials. She raised seven strong children, and in doing so, she built a family rooted in strength, enduring values, and love. She was the rock of our family—the one we leaned on, learned from, and looked up to.

 Those who knew Arlene knew her hands were rarely still. She was a hard worker, a dedicated homemaker, and a skilled cook who always had something baking in the oven—most often a delicious homemade pie, roast, or sweet dessert. Her desserts and pies were, in a word, amazing—treasured staples at every family gathering and lovingly prepared with care and tradition. Her vegetable garden was impressive, and she spent countless hours canning the fruits of her labor so her family could enjoy farm-to-table meals.

 Arlene's flower beds were a reflection of her spirit—vibrant and lovingly tended. She grew and cared for magnificent rose and flower gardens, each one a testament to her green thumb and deep love for nature’s beauty.

 Arlene was also a woman of many talents. She was an innate artist—her oil paintings, drawings, and sketches captured the world through her eyes with grace and creativity. She taught herself how to play the piano and the accordion and found joy in painting during the quieter moments which were far and few between. She also had a keen eye for the written word and a fondness for poetry.

 Arlene had one of the most beautiful singing voices in church. Her velvet tone lifted hymns with grace and heart. It wasn’t just about showing up to church—it was about living a life shaped by faith, and she lived that example fully and humbly. Faith wasn't something she talked about—it was something she lived. Her legacy lives on in the large family she nurtured, the faith she lived, and the beauty she created around her.

 We will miss her warm smile greeting us, her steady presence, and the unconditional love she gave freely. Arlene's spirit will live on in each of us—in the gardens we plant, the songs we sing, the recipes we make, the work we do, and the faith we carry forward.

 She is survived by her children, Paul (Janet) Stichert, Chili, Renee Coleman, Marshfield, Dana (Denise) Stichert, Willis Jr. (Cindy) Stichert, Ann (Jeff) Serchen, and John Stichert, all of Chili, and Mary Stichert Fried of Minocqua; her grandchildren, Ben Stichert (Heidi Sischo), Sara (Craig) Griesbach, Eric (Tammy) Stichert, Wade (Heather) Stichert, Ryan(Katie) Coleman, Kate (Adam) Krasselt, John (Alyssa) Coleman, Damon (Anna) Stichert, Dylan (Melissa) Stichert, Dara Stichert, Rachel (Max) Malm, Ellen (Aaron) Gorst, Beau Serchen, Brant (Shannon) Serchen, Craig Serchen, Emily (Camilo) Mesa, Jaclyn (fiancé Michael) Fried, Jacob Fried, Joshua Fried; and 24 great-grandchildren. Arlene loved watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow through the years and was so proud of them all.  She is also survived by a brother, Arlon (Gail) Haessly of Marshfield; nieces and nephews. 

 Arlene was preceded in death by her husband, Willis, sisters Adeline (Mielahn) Wunrow and Ardyce (Kenneth) Heiting, sister-in-law Virginia (Malcolm) Hanson, and niece Marabeth Hanson.

 The family extends deep gratitude to Pastor Dan Schoessow of Christ Lutheran Church in Chili, and to her many friends for their kindness and support. Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy in Arlene’s memory may do so to Christ Lutheran Church in Chili.

 Rest peacefully, Mom. You will always be our rock, our light, and our blessing.

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