Arlene A. Blair, age 86, of Kaukauna, passed away September 19, 2016 at St. Paul Elder Services. The daughter of Henry and Cecilia (Schampers) Bowers was born November 1, 1929 in Kaukauna. She was united in marriage to Cletus Blair on July 1, 1950 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Wrightstown. Arlene grew up working in grocery stores, and she and Cletus owned and operated Blair’s Grocery Store in Wrightstown. After Cletus died in 1974, Arlene continued to operate the store until 1991, where she was known by all the kids as always having “penny candy.” After retiring from the store, she went on to work at the Fox Valley Greyhound Park, and later retired from Pioneer Press at the age of 80. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing cards and bowling, where she had several 600 games. Arlene was a talented artist, and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Survivors include her children: Jackie (Lloyd) Brandenburg, Rick (Chris) Blair and Terry (Debra) Blair; grandchildren: Michael (Maria) Brandenburg, Missy (Troy) Warnecke, Patty (Marv Jr.) Biese, Eric (Erica) Blair and Korinne (Tommy) Kopczyk; great-grandchildren: Josh Brandenburg, Katie Biese, Kyle Biese, Gary Brandenburg, Heidi Warnecke, Kevin Biese, Leah Warnecke, Ben Rambo, Megan Rambo, Tanner Kopczyk and Trevor Kopczyk; siblings: Bud Bowers, Clarence Bowers and Roseann (Bob) Bastian; sisters-in-law: Margaret Bowers, Ann Bowers and Janie Bowers, Bernice Verhoven and Germaine Blair; nieces, nephews and a very special friend, Mickie Kalief and friends.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Lorraine (Jim) Shillcox, Millie (Roy) Lamers, Mary (Joseph) Hermes, Norman Bowers, Larry Bowers, Lloyd Bowers, Eleanor Bowers, and Nancy Bowers; as well as her in-laws.
Family and friends may visit at St. Clare Catholic Parish-St. Paul Site, Wrightstown, on Thursday, September 22, from 4-7pm. A parish prayer service will conclude the evening. Visitation will continue on Friday, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am Friday with the Rev. Brian Wideman officiating. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. Cotter Funeral Home of Wrightstown is assisting the family.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Jean Otis, Melissa and Lauren from St. Paul Hospice and all the caregivers on Primrose Lane at St. Paul Elder Care.