Arlene Eva Matt, 95, of West Union formerly of Ossian, Iowa, died Friday, March 20, 2026, surrounded by family.
Arlene was born February 20, 1931, in Elkader, Iowa to Max and Frances (Johansen) Matt. Arlene was a proud graduate of the West Union High School class of 1949. She was united in marriage to Edward George Wenthe on November 11, 1949, at Zion Lutheran Church in West Union, Iowa. They were blessed with eight children and settled on a farm near Ossian.
Arlene believed that “giving of yourself is your greatest gift” she lived by these words everyday through her volunteer work and philanthropy. Arlene was an active member of Stavanger Lutheran Church where she proudly taught Sunday school for more than 25 years and confirmation for 7 years. She will be remembered for her strong convictions, steadfast faith, and quick wit. Arlene will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Arlene is survived by her children; Dennis (Wanda) Wenthe of Fennimore, Wisconsin, Gloria (Trevor) Overton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Terry Wenthe of Ionia, Iowa, Betty (Jeff) Koch of Ossian, Iowa, and Melody (John) Patrick of Eldorado, Iowa; grandchildren, Matt (Jill) Wenthe, Dawn (David) Burg, Scott Wenthe and partner Dr. Dan Burger, Shelly (Chris Baacke) Wenthe, Joy (Nate) Daily, Erin (Dennis) Fleege, Hannah (Jim Hackett) Overton, Lauren (Ben) Kromminga, Danielle (Casey) Dwyer, Neil (Erica Holliday) Wenthe, Cindy (Kyle) Neisius, Joseph (Kristin) Wenthe, Benjamin (Idelis Marshall) Wenthe, Jessica (Brock) Rezabek, Jackie (Dan) Brus, Christina (Jake) Bruess and great-grandchildren, Davis Wenthe, Quinn Wenthe, Bryce Daily, Alexis Fleege, Ivan Fleege, Heidi Fleege, Cara Fleege, Leo Hackett, Ellenore Hackett, Margo Hackett, Grant Kromminga, Carter Kromminga, Jonathan Kromminga, Matthew Kromminga, Beatrice Dwyer, Isaac Wenthe, Aubree Wenthe, Gavin Brus, Jovie Brus, Kaylie Bruess, Franklin Bruess; sister, Eunice Niewoehner.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Wenthe; parents; three sons, Dale Wenthe, Lyndon Wenthe, David Wenthe; grandchildren, Paul Wenthe, Joanne Overton, and Thomas Patrick.
Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am with a visitation from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa with Rev. Daryl Schultz as the officiant.
Interment will follow in Stavanger Lutheran Cemetery, rural Ossian, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of West Union, Iowa is assisting the family with services.