Arlene Teske, age 91, of Hamburg, passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Benedictine Living Center, Wausau.
She was born March 16, 1922 in Wausau to the late Reinhart and Elsie (Zahn) Oelke. She and Lavern Teske were united in marriage September 8, 1945 in Wausau. He preceded her in death February 17, 2005.
Arlene attended UW Stevens Point, earning her degree in teaching. She taught in rural, one room all grades, schools in Marathon and Lincoln Counties. Arlene also taught for 34 years at Maple Grove School in Hamburg where she started the pancake breakfast event. Arlene was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Town of Berlin where she started the Sunday school program in which she taught for 48 years. She was also a member of the Ladies Aid at Trinity Lutheran, Town of Berlin, the German Club and a member of the WREA. Arlene enjoyed knitting, working word searches, and reading Amish books as well as Danielle Steele and John Grisham novels. She loved birds and had raised peacocks and pheasants for a number of years. Arlene also enjoyed flower gardening.
Survivors include her son: Randal Teske, Hamburg; daughter: Joy (Rod)Haehlke, Wausau; brother: Glenn (Elaine) Oelke; sister: Shirley (Martin) Hannemann, four grandchildren: Andy Porath, Nathan (Angie) Porath, Wendy Teske and Travis Teske; two step-grandchildren: Rod (Carolyn) Haehlke and Teresa Williford; two great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn Porath and Callon Porath; five step-great-grandchildren: two step-great-great-grandchildren and Princess, her beloved cat. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Lavern, and a brother, Lyndon Oelke.
Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home. Rev. Jeffrey Schmidt will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1 PM Saturday until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, town of Berlin. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.