Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Arlene Mae Abelson

HURLEY, Wis. - Arlene Mae (nee Yurich) Abelson, 90, a longtime resident of the town of Oma, was granted her angel wings on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, after a brief hospitalization.

Arlene was born on April 10, 1932, in Rhinelander. Her love story began when she met and then married Eugene "Popeye" Abelson on Jan. 27, 1951. He continued to be her one true love even after he passed to Heaven on Sept. 10, 1985. Their marriage was blessed with seven children, Susan, Diane Klein (Kelly), David, Jean Ann Stephens (John), Jo Ann Markham (Rick), Michael, and Roxane Pettit. Susan, David and daughter-in-law, Judy Abelson preceded her in death. Continued blessings included 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. The strong friendships she made with her in-home care girls and the entire staff at the SkyView Nursing Center in Hurley were also like family.

Arlene was devoted to her Catholic faith, her family and her many friends. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Oma Women's Club, a dedicated 4-H leader and a committed PTA member. Arlene loved bowling, playing cards, sewing, knitting, baking for the holidays, winning at bingo, doing puzzles and praying the rosary.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 16, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Brian Gerber, celebrant.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at the St. Mary's Cemetery, weather permitting.

"Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:31.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, Michigan, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.