Arlene Beth Storms

DEERFIELD -- Arlene Beth Storms, age 80, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, April 9, 2010, at the HospiceCare Residence in Fitchburg.   She was born on November 4, 1929, on the family farm in Blue River, the daughter of Hillman and Esther (Hanson) Goplen. Arlene was a bookkeeper for the family construction business and rental properties for 50 years. She was a very active member of Deerfield Lutheran Church, where she was WELCA treasurer for 30 years. Arlene was also a member of the Deerfield Women's Club, member of horseshoe and bowling leagues, former Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, and a faithful blood donor.   Arlene was united in marriage to Gerald Storms on May 1, 1948, at the Richland Methodist Church in Blue River. Jerry and Arlene loved to travel and traveled extensively throughout the United States. Many of the trips were with the kids as they were growing up. They also enjoyed camping and snowmobiling with family and friends.   Arlene is survived by Gerald, her husband of 61 years; her children: Gloria (Jerry) Oleston, Janesville; Greg (Judy) Storms, Deerfield; Sheila Storms, Nokomis, Florida; Doug Storms, Deerfield; Joel (Belinda) Storms, Deerfield; and Jill Ball, Cambridge; her 11 grandchildren: Ryan (Wendy) Oleston, Carrie (Stephen) Krahn, Marissa (Richard) Grooms, Caren (Timm) Heller, Kayla (Nathan) Anderson, Krystle (Kurtis Nelson) Storms, Brittany & Trey Storms, Kailee, Jarod, and Connor Ball; 3 great-grandchildren: Brett Ryan Oleston, Tia Lynn Anderson, and Trenton George Heller; and a brother Richard (Marilyn) Goplin, and sister-in-law Virginia Goplen.   She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Ardith Hanna and Mildred Cuccia, and a brother Leslie Goplen.   Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010, at the Deerfield Lutheran Church, 206 S. Main Street, Deerfield. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2010, and on Monday, April 12, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.   Our family would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff at HospiceCare for their kindness and compassion as they so graciously and lovingly cared for Arlene. We would also like to thank Pastor Larry Sexe for his faithful visits and spiritual support to all of us during this journey. Arlene experienced so much peace and comfort as she struggled courageously with Alzheimer's.   Memorials may be made to Deerfield Lutheran Church or HospiceCare, Inc. Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.   ""Arlene's most cherished moments were time spent with family. She loved attending her children's and grandchildren's activities. Holidays were special times for the entire family because Mom made them that way. She taught us the value of work and also the value of play by how she lived her life. She also taught us all about strength, love, hope, and hospitality. She was the glue that held our family together and we will always treasure the wonderful memories. Thanks, Mom.""