Brecht, Arlene F.

Arlene F. Brecht, 96, died Friday, July 19, 2013, at the Vinton Lutheran Home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton, with Father Ardel Barta as celebrant. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until Mass time on Wednesday at the church. Interment will be at 1:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Cemetery, Norway.

Arlene Frances Brecht was born Oct. 5, 1916, near Shellsburg, Iowa, to William and Amelia Weichman Brecht. She grew up in Shellsburg and graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1934. Arlene worked a variety of jobs throughout her life, most notably as a cashier at Bishops Cafeteria in Cedar Rapids and later at Ward's Bakery and Ben Franklin in Vinton.

She returned to Vinton in 1966 to live with and help care for her mother. Following her mother's death in 1991, she became a faithful volunteer at the Vinton Lutheran Home, where her mother had spent the last years of her life.

She was a longtime member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Vinton and a 50+ year member of the Newhall Legion Auxiliary.

She enjoyed playing cards, visiting with friends and relatives and, in later life, dancing, especially where Don Anders was performing.

Arlene was a sweet and thoughtful person, always putting the needs of others ahead of her own. She never spoke an unkind word about anyone.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Marian Brecht, Newhall; nieces and nephews, Mary (Gene) Akers, Iowa Falls, Pat (Bob) Temple, Summerville, S.C., Bill (Rhonda) Appelgate, Nevada, Iowa, Jim (Rachelle) Brecht, Lisbon, Bill (Teri) Brecht, St. Charles, Mo., Larry Brecht, Solon, and Jerry Brecht, Cedar Rapids; 13 great-nephews and great-nieces; six great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces; and numerous cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Ruth Appelgate; and her brother, Rolland Brecht.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary's Catholic Church and/or the Vinton Lutheran Home.

Arlene's family would like to thank Dr. Dearden, the staff at Windsor Manor, Keystone Care Center, and the Vinton Lutheran Home. Also, a special thanks to the wonderful people at Hospice Compassus: Judy, Heather, Melissa, Mary, Wayne and Amy for making Arlene's last few years as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home is caring for Arlene and her family.

Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.

Published July 21, 2013 in The Gazette