Arlene M. (Schatzke) Leppin, age 77, of Ripon, formerly of Fairwater, passed away suddenly on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Berlin Hospital. She was born on September 12, 1945, Township of Richford, and was the daughter of the late Arden and Meta (Manthey) Schatzke.
Arlene married Harve Leppin on November 7, 1964, at First Lutheran Church, Poy Sippi and were married for 53 years until his passing. Arlene excelled in secretarial skills and worked in various capacities including Green Lake County Extension office, Green Lake Nurses office, Markesan Schools (para helper), and Department of Corrections (Fond du Lac).
Arlene was a strong, loving woman who was committed to justice and mastery of tasks in excellence. She spent much time serving her church, Zion Lutheran of Fairwater, as past president and other board positions. In addition, she served the WELCA board within her church and at synodical levels. She also served several terms on the Markesan School Board. More recently, she gave of her time and talent to help found and serve the Fairwater Historical Society.
Unique to Arlene was her ability to try new things; she organized and lead an all-womens softball team and played for many years. In addition, she wrote various articles for publication, most notably is her featured articles in SCOPE magazine, her contribution to National Geographic for Kids and her latest, co-author of Utley, Wisconsins Oldest Ghost Town. Arlene was an avid Elvis fan and an excellent seamstress, she often sewed crafts and small quilts. She enjoyed vacationing with her husband, especially spending time with extended family at Lake Lawrence in Westfield. Notable canoeing and tubing trips are remembered fondly by immediate family. Arlene was a loving, supportive and playful mother, grandmother, friend, neighbor and co-worker.
She is survived by her sister Eleanor Paulson (Schatzke) of Madison; daughter Dawn Schmuhl of Waupun; daughter Dana (Bryan) Kittner of Coshocton, OH; son Derick (Heather) of Auburn, AL; 8 grandchildren: Amanda (Josh) Douma of Ripon; Emily (Cory) Strahota of Markesan; Elizabeth (Joel) Kittner-Nunez of Columbus, OH; Carissa Schmuhl of Green Bay; Tyler Leppin of Auburn, AL; Seth Kittner of Westerville, OH; Sarah Kittner of Coshocton, OH; Ethan Leppin of Auburn, AL. She is further survived by 4 great-grandchildren: Gabriel, Adaline, Reese and Amelia.
Visitation for Arlene will take place Friday, September 30, 2022 from 12:00 pm 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church 100 Church Street, Fairwater, WI 53931.
Funeral service for Arlene will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church in Fairwater, with Rev. Kimberly Stowell officiating. Interment will follow at Fairwater Cemetery. Memorials in Arlenes honor can be sent to the Alzheimers Association 620 South 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53214.