Arlene A. Andrews, age 81 of Darlington, formerly of Shullsburg, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa. She was born Jan. 12, 1936 in Shullsburg the daughter of Jesse and Josephine (Donovan) Roper. Arlene graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1953. She was united in marriage to Ivan Lee Andrews on Aug. 17, 1953 at Darlington Methodist Church Parsonage. Arlene grew up in Shullsburg and aside from a short time spent in California during the Korean War she and Ivan farmed in the Shullsburg area on her family’s farm until 1970 when her and Ivan moved to Darlington where they continued to farm in Darlington Township. In 1972, Arlene began working for Honeywell’s Micro Switch in Warren, Ill. where she worked for 25 years and worked at Lands’ End in Dodgeville, for a year before retiring in 1999.
Arlene is survived by her seven children: Allen (Ruth) Andrews of Monroe, Kevin (Beth) Andrews, Carla (Ron Badertscher ) Simmons, Scott (Deb) Andrews, and Bruce Andrews all of Darlington, Marsha (Kevin) Einsweiler of Shullsburg, and Daryl (Lynette) Andrews of rural Argyle; 29 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren and one on the way; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ivan on Feb. 16, 2014; two daughters: Sheila Simmons and LuAnn Runkle; one grandson: Jeremy Johnson; one brother and sister-in-law: Cecil (LaVada) Roper; one sister and brother-in-law: M. Claribel (Leo) Haeft; and one son-in-law: Tom Simmons.
Arlene cherished the time she spent with her family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren, creating memories they will all remember forever. She loved going on trips with her lady friends traveling all over to listen to country music and always enjoyed playing the “slots.” Her family will always remember her for her love of things that were as sweet as she was: popcorn, chocolate ice cream, and Hershey candy bars. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her family and friends.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Darlington United Methodist Church (546 Park Place, Darlington) where Rev. Angela Utter officiated. Burial was in Union Grove Cemetery. A visitation was held Monday, July 10, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erickson Funeral Home (508 Main Street, Darlington) and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Arlene’s name.