M. Arlene Makela

M. Arlene Makela, 84, Maple, WI, died Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Essential Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

She was born on November 5, 1928 in Brule, WI to Jacob and Sylvia (Maki) Wiitala.

Following high school she had been employed at Kelly-Howe in Duluth, MN.

She married Clarence Makela on June 26, 1947 in Superior and celebrated thirty-two years of marriage before he passed away on November 5, 1979.

Arlene was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and its Martha Circle and the Sunnyside Homemakers. She was a volunteer in her community including the Maple Corner School and she also reupholstered furniture.

She is survived by two daughters, Amy (Richard) Rantala, Oulu, WI, Judy (Bill) Ryder, Menomonie, WI; five grandchildren, Scott (Laura) Rantala, Oulu, WI, Christopher (Anne) Ryder, Holmen, WI, Sarah (Andrew) Reckard, St. Louis Park, MN, Michael (Heather) Rantala, Superior, Amanda Ryder, River Falls, WI; two great-granddaughters, Isabella Rantala and Ellie Ryder; one sister, Ruth (Leonard) Lindelof, Minneapolis, MN; several nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

In addition to her husband Clarence, Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, one grandson, Danny Rantala and one niece.

Arlene will be sadly missed by all the lives she touched.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM Sunday, August 18, 2013 at the Hope Lutheran Church in Oulu, WI. Visitation will continue at 10:00 AM Monday, August 19, 2013 until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service also in the Hope Lutheran Church, with Pastor Scott Stai, officiating.

Burial will be in the Everrest Cemetery in Waino, WI.

Pallbearers for the service will be Arlene’s grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearer will be Danny Rantala, Arlene’s deceased grandson, who was there to lead her into Heaven.

Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.