Arlene Lenore Barkema

Arlene L. Barkema, 91, of Mason City, IA, died Thursday, May 10, 2018, at the Good Shepherd Health Facility. Visitation will take place from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Monday May 14, 2018, at Elk Creek Lutheran Church 4108 Killdeer Ave, Kensett, IA, followed by a graveside service at the Elk Creek Cemetery in Kensett, with Pastor Tom Martin officiating. Memorials may be directed to the Arlene Barkema memorial fund.

Arlene Lenore Barkema was born on August 31, 1926 in rural Kensett, to parents Otto and Ida (Reyerson) Orpen. Ever since her childhood she attended the Elk Creek Church and attended Sunday School on a regular basis. Arlene graduated from the Kensett High School; in 1957 she was united in marriage to Dale Barkema. Those who knew Arlene will remember her as the kind, witty, sweet and caring person that she was. Arlene loved her pets, her family and will also be remembered for how good of a cook she was.
Arlene is survived by her sister: Carol Kingery, children: Alan (Jodi) Barkema, Lynn Barkema and significant other Wayne Venzke, Brian (Jane) Barkema; grandchildren: Jayden Barkema, Renae Ginter, Grant (Kim) Ginter, Andrea (Shad) Newman, Adam Greenfield, Tabitha (Jesse) Weiner and 11 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.