Arleen Virchow

Arleen Mae Jordan Virchow, 91, died on March 13, 2017 at the Sun Prairie Care Center, surrounded by members of her family.. She was born May 16, 1925 at her home in Waterloo, WI. She was the only child of Albert (Pete) Jordan and Lanora Scharf Jordan. She attended Waterloo Public Schools and in 1943 graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class. She created the name for the school yearbook "WATHILO".
During her high school years she worked a summer job at the Waterloo Canning Factory and also sold tickets at the Mode Theater. She also worked at her dad's gas station. After graduation, she worked briefly at a telephone company in Milwaukee before returning to Waterloo where she was a secretary in the office at the high school. It was during this time that she started dating Merle (Skip) Virchow and in June of 1945 they became engaged. After Skip returned from the Navy where he served in the South Pacific, they were married August 24, 1946, most recently celebrating their 70th anniversary. While Skip was deployed, Arleen wrote a letter to him every day. Arleen also worked as an office manager for Cooley Carpets in Waterloo and for Royle Publishing Co in Sun Prairie. For several years she worked in the office at the Waterloo Courier where she wrote a weekly column of childhood memories in Waterloo called "Spiderwebs".
Arleen and Skip enjoyed traveling and were able to visit 49 states and also enjoyed a trip to Europe. For years they were "snowbirds" in Arizona. While there, they volunteered as ushers for the Brewers Spring training baseball games.
Arleen was an avid sports fan and especially loved attending Badger and Brewer games. She was a good bowler and was a member of the Pure Oil team for many years. She also enjoyed golfing at the Columbus Country club and hit some decent drives as recently as 4 years ago.
She was an active member of the Waterloo United Methodist church where she was a member of the church choir and the United Methodist Women. She also served as financial secretary and volunteered as the church secretary.
Arleen and Skip lived in Waterloo until 1987 before moving to Wisconsin Dells. In recent years they made their home in Marshall, WI.
She is survived by her husband, Skip, her son, Jeff (Marty) Virchow of Prairie du Sac, daughter Jill (Jim) Stuntebeck of Marshall, Wi, grandchildren Tammy (Ed) Virchow Urbansky of Kathleen, GA, Dr Jay (Jenn) Borrell Virchow of Arlington Heights, IL, Amy Stuntebeck, Marshall, WI, Sarah (Dr Jason) Swantek of Janesville, WI, and Laura (Tim) Puls of Madison, WI. Six great-grandchildren, Caroline, Violet and Evangeline Urbansky, Abner Virchow, Audrey Puls and Finn Swantek as well as several cousins. Her family was the love and focus of her life and everyone cherishes special memories of times spent with her.
Special thanks to the staff at the Sun Prairie Health Care Center for the loving care she received during the past 16 months and especially in the final days of her life.
In lieu of flowers, Arleen would appreciate your enthusiastic support of the Packers, Brewers and Badgers.
Memorials to the Waterloo High School Alumni Association would be appreciated.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30AM on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at the Waterloo United Methodist Church. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery of Waterloo following the service.

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