Arlene Beisker
Arlene B. Beisker, 96, of Waukon died Friday, March 8, 2024, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon. Memorial services were held Tuesday, March 12 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon with Pastor Bryan Robertson officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Arlene Bertha Miller was born September 28, 1927, the daughter of William and Louise (Krueger) Miller in rural Allamakee County. She attended rural elementary schools and later earned her GED from NICC in Calmar. She married John “Jack” Beisker at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Postville October 28, 1947, and they later attended St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon. Arlene and Jack farmed and trucked until 1952. For over 40 years, they were co-owners and operators of Beisker’s Lounge and Dining in Rossville.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church where she was active in the ladies’ groups. Arlene was an avid euchre player, competing in Rossville tournaments almost weekly. Arlene loved to bowl and was a member of the Pin Dusters Bowling League for over 20 years. She canned the produce Jack raised in his large garden, made wickedly delicious strawberry jam, and created a potato salad recipe that all family members hold as the gold standard.
Arlene was a talented seamstress. She altered bridal gowns for a shop in Waukon, made dresses for all four of her daughters, and repaired work clothes for neighboring farmers. Arlene could examine a formal gown in a shop and recreate it at her sewing machine without a pattern. On more than one occasion, Arlene stayed up late into the night, sewing a new outfit for one of her girls.
In later years, Arlene focused her sewing on making quilts. She passed along her love of sewing to many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her quilts are treasured by her family and friends.
Survivors include her daughters: Janice (Wayne) Howe of Waukon, Bonnie (Vern) Roe of Waukon, Regina Feuerhelm of Decorah and Sandra (David Olson) Beisker of Dubuque; 11 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, who died in 1999; her brothers, Roland and Vernon Miller; her sisters, Evelyn Walsh, Helen Bahr and Leone McKee; two sons-in-law, Ross Feuerhelm and George Loomis; and three grandsons, Matt, Tom and Dan Howe.
The family would like to thank the caregivers at Veterans Memorial Hospital and Good Samaritan Center in Waukon.
Honorary urn bearers are Kevin McKee, Dave and Ron Miller, and Don Rice. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
