Arlene Terry Van Meter, 89 years of age, went to her forever home on July 17, 2022.

Arlene was born on March 8, 1933 to Scott and Selma Eno in Galesville, WI.

After graduating from Galesville High School in 1950, Arlene followed her sister, Audrey, to Maryland where they both worked at dry cleaners on the Aberdeen Proving Ground - United States Army base. It was there on that base in Maryland where she met and fell in love with Ralph Van Meter. On April 25th in 1954 the two were wed by a Methodist minister in Bel Air, Maryland. Upon Ralph’s completion of military service the young couple decided to move west, back to Wisconsin. After a brief stop in Cumberland they continued north where they then planted their roots deep and wide in the city of Shell Lake. It was in Shell Lake that Ralph and Arlene raised their five daughters. And if five girls weren’t more than enough to keep her busy, Arlene also worked as a cook at the Shell Lake School and then later at the Shell Lake Arts Center. Arlene was an exceptional baker and cook - at all the family gatherings you best believe she was going to bring her infamous homemade cupcakes.

Arlene was a loving wife to Ralph for their entire 68 years of marriage. She lived and loved with an immeasurable depth of protective fire and care for her entire family.

Arlene was welcomed into her heavenly home by her infant son, Michael, and her beloved daughter, Nancy.

Arlene is survived by her husband Ralph; her daughters: Sue (Tooker) Weathers, Karen (Rob) Taylor, Laurie (Tim) Studt, Mary (Kyler) Gustafson, son-in-law Russ Furchtenicht, sister Audrey Baker, 15 ‘courageously-strong-just-like-grandma-was’ grandchildren, 32 and counting great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, July 22, 2022 at Shell Lake United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Cumberland at a later date. There will be a luncheon served following the service. Visitation will be from 10-11 AM.

Skinner Funeral Home is serving the family.

Last Update: Jul 22, 2022 5:52 am CDT