Zieske
Arlene Patricia, age 83, longtime resident of both Delano and Watertown, after suffering a stroke in February 2020, was blessed to be able to return to her home in June 2020 where she peacefully remained for the next four years with the help of her family and many special care providers. On Saturday, September 14, 2024, after enjoying a little of the sunny weather on her back patio and listening to stories shared with a few close family members, she was gently carried to her bed for the evening. In the early hours of September 15, and the day of her church’s annual fall festival, she rose to the heavens, as the sun was rising, and blessedly passed away with her family at her side.

She was born July 14, 1941, to Cyriel and Marcella (Peppersack) VanLeeuwe, and grew up on the family farm outside of Ghent, Minnesota. She married the love of her life Frederick Zieske on October 13, 1962, and were married 54 years.

Arlene was preceded in death by her son Randy; spouse Fred; parents; son-in-law Roger Ostendorf; siblings Richard, Rhonda, Gordon, and Kevin VanLeeuwe; in-laws Don and Wilma Davis, Irene Zieske, John Nerstead and Larry Naber.

She is survived by her children Richard (Patty) Zieske, Julie (Del Hoffman) Hoffman Ostendorf, and Emily (Everett) Larson; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren and a great-granddaughter on the way. Siblings Julie Naber, Robert (Louise) VanLeeuwe, Carol Nerstead, Randy (Cathy) VanLeeuwe, Daniel (Joan) VanLeeuwe, and brother-in-law Louis Zieske.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at St. Boniface Catholic Church – St. Bonifacius, MN. Visitation will be held from 9-11 AM, with an 8:30 AM rosary service prior to the Mass. Inurnment at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Delano, Minnesota.