Arlene D. Pederson

Arlene Delores (Hollie) Pederson, of Onalaska, died at 87 years old on September 11, 2013. She was born June 3, 1926 to Stanley and Sadie (Hagen) Hollie in Westby, Wis. She was baptized and confirmed at Westby Coon Prairie Lutheran Church. After graduating from Westby High School in 1944, she was employed at Truax Air Field in Madison, Wis. during the war. She married Blaine E. Pederson, Jr. on August 28, 1948. While her husband was attending Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, she worked in the college business office. After her husbands graduation they moved to Galesville, Wis. in 1950 and she worked as a receptionist and payroll clerk for Schilling Electric Company for 16 years. In 1966 they moved to Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. and she worked for 19 years in the cost accounting department of Consolidated Papers. She and her husband retired and moved back to this area in 1986. Arlene served in many capacities in church and club organizations. She volunteered at nursing homes and the Red Cross Blood Mobile. She enjoyed golf, bridge playing, knitting, and was an avid reader. Having no children of her own, she was close to and dearly loved her nieces and nephews. She is survived by nephews and nieces: Daniel Hansen (Susan), Bruce Hansen (Robin), Jeffrey Hansen (Rita), Debra Cade (Billy), Joni Robertson (Jon), Terry Ramsett, Thomas Ramsett (Lori), Rhonda Way; great nieces and great nephews; special cousin, Winn Solberg; and dear friend, Harlan B. Olson. A special thanks to her neighbor, Pat Stenberg for her friendship and help. She was preceded in death by her husband, Blaine; three sisters: Evenelle Hansen, Mary Ramsett and Eloise Holm; and nephew, Craig Hansen. A celebration of life will be held at 1100 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Galesville, Wis. on Wednesday, September 18, 2013. Pastor Bryant Haney will officiate with burial in Our Saviors Cemetery, rural Westby. Friends may call at the church in Galesville from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers and plants memorials may be designated to Zion Lutheran Church in Galesville, Wis. or Westby Historical Society, Westby, Wis. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.