Arlene B. Merema, 94, of Morrison, IL, died Friday, October 27, 2023, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison.
Arlene was born March 16, 1929, in Fulton, IL, to Joe J. and Helen B. (Vander Vinne) Bielema. She was educated in the Otter Bluff Grade Schools and was a 1946 graduate of Morrison High School. She married Bernard “Bernie” Merema on June 9, 1950, in Fulton. He died June 15, 2018. Arlene was employed as a receptionist for Dr. Vandermyde and Dr. Jennings. Arlene was a dedicated member of Spring Valley Reformed Church, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher, directed the Memorial Day Plays, and was involved with the Ladies Aide and Missionary Guild. Beyond her church community, she was a valued member of the Wa-Tan-Ye Club of Morrison, and took an active role in the Meals on Wheels program, touching the lives of many through her selfless acts of kindness.
Survivors include her daughters, Sally (Jim) Hamann of Eldridge, IA, and Sue (Bill) Maurice of Canton, IL; son, Steve (Mary Kay) Merema of Rochelle, IL; five grandchildren, Blake Hamann, Todd (Teresa) Hamann, Erin (fiancé, Eli McCormick) O’Flaherty, Steve (Rachel) Merema, Jr. and Greg Merema; two step-grandchildren, Hayden (Sidney) Maurice and Laurenn (fiancé, Alec Armstrong) Maurice; six great-grandchildren, Gracie and Callan Hamann, Kaitlyn and Jillian Hamann, and Gwen and Nora Merema; three step-great-grandchildren, Max Martens and Tate and Trace Maurice.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernie; sister, Bernice Byland; brother, Raymond Bielema.
Her Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Spring Valley Reformed Church in Fulton, IL, with Rev. Paul Wissink, Pastor of Spring Valley Reformed Church, officiating.
A Visitation will precede the service starting at 10:00 a.m., until the time of the Funeral.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:30 p.m., on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials have been established to Spring Valley Reformed Church and Resthave Care & Rehabilitation.