On June 18th, 2025, Arlene Bruecker's golden heart stopped beating. Arlene was born on October 11, 1932, to Peter and Marie (Coenen) Kempen. She married the love of her life, Roger, on her birthday in 1951.  She always said he was the best birthday gift she had ever received. Roger called Arlene his "bride" until the day he died on August 31, 2018.

Arlene was a jack of all trades, master of many. She created custom-made quilts for every member of the family, including her great grandchildren. She was a seamstress who could alter anything to perfection. For every wedding she and Roger were invited to, Arlene gifted a hand-painted crucifix. Her involvement in 4-H is where she shared many of these talents with others. Arlene was a dedicated farmer's wife, planting an abundant garden and canning all that was harvested. Arlene never missed watching a Brewer game or a Packer game. She loved fishing and watching her grandchildren swim in the beautiful pond on which she and Roger built their dream home. Playing cards with friends and traveling were some of her most cherished hobbies. She loved life, but her goal was always heaven. She was a devout Catholic. She was very active at St. Patrick's Church in Askeaton, where she sang in the choir and distributed communion. Her faith was her life.

Arlene is survived by her children, Linda (Jim) Krautkramer, Plymouth; Rick (Sandy) Bruecker, Greenleaf; Chris (Terry) Ederer, Kaukauna; Pat Bruecker (girlfriend, Becca), Neenah; Mike (Jenni) Bruecker, Greenleaf; and Marty (Shelly) Bruecker, Greenleaf; grandchildren: Kevin (Rebekah) Krautkramer, Stacey (Tom) Fedderly, Keith Krautkramer, Eric (Catie) Krautkramer, Jason (Becky) Bruecker, Samantha (Kevin) Miller, Jeremy (Stephanie) Bruecker, Justine (Nick) Brochtrup, Kasey (Eric) Trunk, Jonathan Bruecker, Britni (Tyler) Malueg, Angel (Brandon) Dial, Hunter Bruecker,  Ian Thomas (Becca's son), Sierra (Ross) Weber, Savannah (fiance Andrew Buckley) Bruecker, Natasha, Wyatt, Jacob, and Danielle Bruecker; great grandchildren: Violet Krautkramer, Taylor, Kyla, Ashley, and Jayden Fedderly, James and Rowyn Krautkramer, Hannah, Ben and Wesley Bruecker, Grace Miller, Lincoln and Grant Bruecker, Clark, Libby, and Bryce Brochtrup, Emma and Eddie Trunk, Ryker and Brooklyn Malueg, and Autumn Frisch; siblings: Harold Kempen and Lavern Wiegert; and in-laws: Erv Nettekoven, Sue Datta and Bill McGinnis.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by husband, Roger; grandson, Michael Ederer; father and mother- in-law George and Cecelia Bruecker; siblings:  Marvin (Ceil) Kempen, Boniface (Ann) Kempen, Dick Kempen, Paul Kempen, Lorna (Wilfred) Van Handel, Janice Nettekoven, Dave Wiegert, and Gerald (Geri) Kempen; and in-laws:  Grace (Nick) Ryes, Beatrice (Frank) Van Lanen, Georgiana (Babe) McGinnis, and Jerry (Bernice) Bruecker; nephew, Scott McGinnis; and Godchild, Ginny Bruecker.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at ST. CLARE PARISH - ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH (7815 St. Pat's Church Road, Greenleaf) beginning at 9:00am-11:45am. Mass to follow at 12:00 noon with the Rev. Brian Wideman officiating.  Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.  To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

We would also like to thank the staff at The Landings Assisted living in Kaukauna, and St. Croix Hospice for taking care of Mom and for helping us through this hard time. Also thanks to the residents at the Landings. Mom was like a little bird you took under your wings. You all took such good care of her. Thanks for accepting her from day one. We will miss you all.