Arlene M. Gierl

BESSEMER, Mich. - Arlene Gierl, 87, of Bessemer, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020.

Arlene was born on Sept. 6, 1932, in York, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Calvin and Elnora Mills. In 1950, she graduated from Owen High School in Owen, Wisconsin. She continued her education and graduated from Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee in 1951.

On Sept. 10, 1953, Arlene was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert "Farmer" Gierl. They enjoyed 65 wonderful years together. Farmer preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 2018.

Arlene and Bob moved their family to Bessemer in 1959. Arlene was employed at Big Powderhorn Ski Resort for a few years. She then worked at the General Insurance Agency in Bessemer for 21 years. After that, she was employed at the Aid Association for Lutherans Insurance Company for seven years until her retirement.

Arlene was a dedicated member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay, where she proudly served on the church council.

She had many hobbies, including sewing, quilting and ceramics. She was a very talented seamstress and a longtime member of the Lake Gogebic Quilters. Arlene took great pride in being a homemaker. Her home was her castle!

She is survived by a daughter, Dawn (Jim) Martell, Sarasota, Florida; two sons, Randy "Barnum" (Trish), Bessemer, and Chris (Lena), Ramsay; five grandchildren, Carrie (Richard) Frias, Christie Martell, Amie Martell, Stephanie (Michael) Matalone and Dakota Easley; five cherished great-grandchildren; a brother, Arlyn (Mary Loris) Mills, Holcombe, Wisconsin; her sister-in-law, Lolly Mills, White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and a very special family friend, Ward Keller, Placitas, New Mexico.

Besides her parents and husband, Arlene was preceded in death by a brother, Donald Mills.

Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, a private family burial took place at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer. The Rev. Timothy J. Steckling officiated.

A memorial service will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay at a later date. The date and time will be announced when it is safe to do so.

The family would like to sincerely thank the entire staff at the Villa Maria Health and Rehabilitation Center for their excellent, compassionate care during our mother's illness.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield.