Arlene Walter

Arlene Joyce (Weber) Walter was born on November 3, 1943, in Belgrade, MN to William and Marian (Houk) Weber.  She graduated from Paynesville High School in 1961.  After graduation she moved to Hutchinson and worked at 3M for over 10 years.

Arlene was married and was blessed with two daughters, Renae and Rachel.  The family lived on a farm in Lake Lillian and Arlene moved to Willmar in 1981.  Arlene started a daycare out of her home and provided care for 33 years.  She had a love for children, if there was a baby in the room, they would usually be in her arms.  Arlene belonged to Assembly of God Church in Willmar and volunteered countless hours in the nursery.

In September of 2014, Arlene moved to Alexandria and lived with her daughter and family.  She attended church at New Life Church.  God gave Arlene the gift of playing music by ear.  She was able to play the keys on an accordion, organ and piano.  Her love for music continued into enjoyment for southern gospel music.  She enjoyed listening to her CD’s and going to concerts.  Arlene enjoyed Sunday evenings with the “Bingo” gals, playing Rummikub and doing puzzles with her grandchildren.  She loved her grandchildren so much and there was no place better than grandma’s lap.  Arlene enjoyed the simple things; a bowl of ice cream, grandchildren’s hugs, HGTV, flowers, pasta, a phone call from a friend, chocolates and cat’s purr.  She was a perfectionist by nature.  She always followed her recipes perfectly, so everything turned out perfect, including her soft chocolate chip cookies.  Arlene fought a good fight after being diagnosed with cancer in 2016, never letting it interfere with the simple things.

Arlene died on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at her home in Alexandria at the age of 76.  She is survived by her daughters, Renae (fiancé Shawn Ennis) Zenner of Becker, and Rachel (Mark) Jahner of Alexandria; grandchildren, Kayla, Kolten, and Kierra Zenner, and Giselle, Kyle, Tyler and Kate Jahner;  sister, Marlys Miller of Hutchison; brother, Roger (Vicki) Weber of Fort Worth, TX; nieces and a nephew.  Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, William and Marian Weber.

A private family service was held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria with Pastor John Taplin officiating.  Interment was at Geneva Cemetery in Alexandria.

To protect the health and safety of all, services are currently being limited as required by state and local authorities and the CDC. Expressions of sympathy during this time can be left on the condolences page available with the obituary on our website. We also encourage you to view the webcast of the service that will be available Wednesday.
Check the funeral home website for the latest COVID-19 update.