Arlene H. Wedeward

Arlene Houpt Wedeward, age 96, cherished wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025.

Born on January 16, 1929, in Marion, Ohio, to William "Clyde" and Mabel Houpt, Arlene never shied away from hard work, even helping her father in his monument business. On a trip to Wisconsin to visit her Aunt Frieda, fate intervened when while she was painting a ceiling in the house, in walked local farmer, Harvey Wedeward. The moment she laid eyes on him, her immediate reaction was "where have you been all my life?" and "I've never seen such beautiful blue eyes". That chance encounter ended with them being engaged within 3 weeks, marrying on January 29, 1956, and building a lifetime together on their farm with their 2 sons, Allen and John. For a city girl, Arlene settled right into the farm life, driving a tractor with confidence and ease.

Arlene had a remarkable talent as a seamstress, florist, and creating a wide array of intricate pieces, including Faberge eggs, porcelain dolls, and snowbabies, which she loved sharing with people.

Arlene was a longtime member of the Marshall Methodist Church and found great joy in playing with the bell choir. She loved the times she gathered together with friends at breakfast, sharing their lives, laughter, and stories. Arlene was also a gifted dancer and cherished member of the Tap Dance Kids, putting on shows in grade schools and nursing homes to the enjoyment of others.

Family was the heart of Arlene's life and she embraced her role as mother and then grandmother. She never missed a single activity involving her grandchildren. She was a doting grandmother who always did special things for them, the highlight of which was her 3-layer cake she made for every single birthday, with the top piece going to the birthday boy/girl, served with a side of hickory nuts which she harvested herself.

Arlene's love for family also extended to the past -- she had a deep fascination with genealogy and spent countless hours tracing her family tree, uncovering stories that she loved sharing with her family..

Arlene will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her.. She is survived by her sons, Allen and John (Lori); grandchildren, Sarah (Marcus) Ruh and Michael (Katie) Wedeward; and great-grandchildren, Ava, Mya and August.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister in laws, Jack (Vivian) and Dan (Polly), beloved Aunt Frieda, and nephew, Randy.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Sienna Crest along with Agrace Hospice, especially Melissa, for the exceptional care and support they provided Arlene in her final years. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort and peace to not only Arlene but also her family, and they will always be remembered for their unwavering commitment.

In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still; in our hearts you hold a special place no one else will ever fill. Until we meet again.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at the Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Home of Waterloo. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until the time of service at the funeral home. Arlene will be laid to rest at Medina Cemetery following the service.