ARLENE GOMOLL

“Grief is the price we pay for love” -Queen Elizabeth II

Arlene Joyce Gomoll, 93, died peacefully Tuesday September 13, 2022, with her family by her side. She was born, June 19, 1929, in Menasha, daughter of the late Leonard and Alice (Christianson) Smith.

Arlene lived in Menasha until 1937, when her family moved to the family farm in Winchester. Her life changed as she began her life as a farm girl with chores, outdoor plumbing, and baths in a tin tub, with water heated on the stove. She attended a one room schoolhouse and had a scar on her knee to prove the dangerous climb over fences. She graduated in 1946, from Washington High School in New London.

Music and singing were a huge part of her life from the beginning and brought her much joy. Arlene had an incredible voice and was invited to perform at many weddings, funerals and anniversaries. In fact, singing for some of those same people for their wedding and their 50th anniversary!

She sang in the St. Paul Lutheran Church choir for over 50 years and formed so many close friendships. Our birthdays did not really start until family got a phone call from Arlene, singing the birthday song.

Arlene moved to Neenah after High School and became a legal secretary with the firm of O'Leary, Joyce and Remmel.

She rented a room next door to the man she would later marry. Arlene met Donald while hanging laundry on the clothesline. He asked her out three times before she said yes, and we are all forever grateful that she did. Arlene and Don were a perfect match, they held hands all through their 63 years together. They both really showed us what true love should be. Arlene loved football. She and Don were Packer season ticket holders since Lambeau Field was built. If you listened close on Sundays, you may have heard her cheering for her beloved Packers.

Arlene returned to work in 1970, and became the Personnel Director at ThedaClark Hospital, Neenah. It was the perfect job for her, because of her compassion, intelligence, and easy way with people. She loved a good conversation and was curious by nature and always wanted to know more. There did not seem to be a person Arlene did not know or a smile she kept to herself. She enjoyed baking, bridge with her girlfriends, shopping for deals, seeking medical knowledge, politics, reading mysteries, and a well-made "Manhattan", with just the right amount of cherry juice. She enjoyed life and always had a twinkle in her eye.

Arlene was a kind and gentle person who constantly thought of what she could do for her family. Always there with a smile and a hug, a warm meal and leftovers to last for months.

She was our North Star and now her light is in the sky, guiding us still.

Arlene will be greatly missed by her three children: Ellen Gomoll (Terry Starkey), Mound MN, John (Susan) Gomoll, Hilbert, WI, and Julie (Patrick) Lynn, Neenah, WI; five grandsons: James (Christi) Gomoll, Andy (Katie) Gomoll, Daniel Gomoll, Zach Lynn, and Parker Lynn;  three great grandchildren: Logan Gomoll, Annika Gomoll, and Beckett Gomoll; her sister, Delores “Lorrie” Boldon; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Arlene was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Donald on December 16, 2014; her parents; sister, Janice Brown; and brother, James Smith.

The Funeral service for Arlene will be 11:00 AM on Thursday September 22, 2022, at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 200 N Commercial St, Neenah, with Rev. Amy Engebose officiating. Visitation will be held at the church, Thursday morning beginning at 9:00 AM until the 11:00 AM service. A memorial fund will be established in Arlene's name.

Arlene's family would like to thank “our special Angels” at Copperstone Assisted Living, and ThedaCare Hospice, for such loving care of our mother and us.

All who knew and loved Arlene are invited to celebrate her life and raise a Manhattan in a toast to honor her.

Westgor Funeral Home

205 W Doty Ave; (920) 722-7151