Arlene Rose Essen, 92, of Grundy Center, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 at the Grundy Care Center in Grundy Center while under the care of Cedar Valley Hospice. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 24th at 2:00 P.M. at the Bethany Presbyterian Church, 315 G Ave., Grundy Center, IA. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Rosehill Cemetery in Grundy Center. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com
Arlene Rose Bleeker was born on September 6, 1921 in Tama County (Dinsdale), the daughter of Hie & Hazel (Mennenga) Bleeker. Her family moved to Grundy Center when she was 12 years old. She attended school in the Grundy Center school district. On March 15, 1939, Arlene was united in marriage to Darrell Joseph Essen at her parent's home. The couple welcomed 3 children into their family.
She worked for a canning factory, worked at the Grundy Café and did the books for the Phillips 66 station, where she was considered more of a personal secretary. Arlene enjoyed traveling, crafts, trips with the local UAW #808 but what she enjoyed most out of life was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Arlene is survived by her daughters Judy (Herb) Wilson of Marshalltown & Janet (Don) Dixon of Cedar Falls; daughter-in-law Sheryl Essen of Lander, WY; 9 grandchildren and numerous great-grand & great-great-grandchildren; sister Hilda White. She was preceded in death by her husband Darrell; son Darrell Dean Essen; brothers Jake Arends, Harm Bleeker and infant brother Henry Bleeker and twin sister Marlene Sincock & sister Annie Ash; great-granddaughter Melissa Mathes & a great-great-grandson Lucas Allen Lavender.