Arlene R. Fetek

Arlene Ruth Fetek, age 90, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026. She was born August 5, 1935, in Fairchild, Wisconsin, and split her time between her family’s farm and Racine. She was a straight-A student and later graduated from William Horlick High School.

As a child, she and her sister once made the front page of the newspaper after witnessing a purse robbery. While her sister ran to get help, Arlene stayed behind as instructed to “keep an eye on it,” doing exactly that until police arrived. That steady, dependable nature defined her life.

She married her husband of 59 years, Jim, while attending the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her love for Madison and Badger football never wavered. She traveled as far as Tokyo to watch them play, and as of her passing, still owed them detention hours. She was honest and steady, but she had a quiet sense of humor. When Jim once suggested she continue hand washing clothes instead of buying a dryer, she starch pressed his clothes so firmly that after two days of discomfort, a dryer appeared. She enjoyed knitting and golf and once scored a hole in one, even if it happened to be on the wrong hole. Arlene stopped driving at 88, but until then her go-to driving music was Alice in Chains, Metallica, and her favorite, Led Zeppelin.

Arlene was a private person who did not seek attention. In keeping with her wishes, private services will be held. Memorials may be directed to Ronald McDonald's house.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice Alliance and Kenisha.